ABSTRACT
The methods of external and of internal drainages of the bile ducts are alternatives in choledocholithiasis and benign strictures of the choledochus. In the Central Research Institute of Gastroenterology, 349 operations were performed on the common bile duct, stones were found in the choledochus in 259 (74.2%) cases and benign strictures of the terminal part of the choledochus and the major duodenal papilla in 103 (29.5%) cases. Ninety-five operations were secondary or reconstructive in character. A precise diagnosis of affection of the biliary tract can be established only during an operation or by retrograde cholangiopancreatography. External drainage of the common bile duct was conducted in 229 (65.6%) cases. Choledochoduodenostomy was undertaken in 105 patients (55 were operated on for the first time and 50 underwent operation on the biliary tract for a second time). Endoscopic papillosphincterotomy was successful in 28 cases with short strictures of the choledochus and choledocholithiasis. The stones were removed from the ducts with instruments or were expelled spontaneously at days 2 to 5.
