Gas contrast studies of the biliary tract following reconstructive surgery

Forty-seven patients who had previously undergone reconstructive surgery were examined on 70 occasions by gas contrast cholangiography after drinking carbonified water in order to outline the biliary tract. In the light of subsequent clinical and operative findings the radiological appearances are analysed and the value of the technique assessed. There was a close correlation between failure to visualise the biliary tract and obstruction of the anastomosis (85% accurate).