[External drainage and suture of the bile ducts following choledochotomy]

The authors report their experience with the use of a T-shape drainage in 258 choledochotomies, accomplished in 248 patients, and suturing of the common bile duct in 77 patients. The technic of preparation of a T-shape drainage, its fixation in the common bile duct and the postoperative management of patients with such drainages are described. The complications developed while using a T-shape drainage are analysed. Late sequelae of application of the drainage were taken into account after 219 operations, whereas in 163 patients intravenous cholangiography was performed after such drainage of bile ducts, the terms being longer than 3 years in 140 cases.