Biliary Tract Calculi and Associated Disease

Abstract

Extrabiliary calculi may occur in association with cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, or other diseases involving the biliary tree or pancreas. The indications for exploration of the common duct and the criteria for determining the optimum time for discontinuance of drainage are discussed. The complications, mortality rates and types of incision employed are presented. The value of direct or indirect cholangiography is shown.