Radiomanometric guides to common bile duct exploration

Abstract

The accuracy of operative cholangiograms can be increased by radiomanometry. This study identified 17 patients among 198 studied whose choledocholiths would have likely been missed by routine cholangiography. These are almost invariably small stones the fate of which would be conjectural if left behind. In the present study, if the cholangiogram was negative and the passage pressure within normal limits, calculi were seen only once. If the cholangiogram was positive for choledocholithiasis and the passage pressure elevated, stones were almost invariably found (95 per cent). Such accuracy cannot be expected from either roentgenography alone or determination solely of pressure relationships.