Intravenous cholangiography; some observations on the use of cholografin

Intravenous cholangiography with cholografin is a safe procedure, most useful for the study of patients who have had cholecystectomy and later have symptoms related to the biliary ducts. When jaundice or liver impairment is present, the examination is usually unsuccessful. However, these conditions are not absolute contraindications to the procedure. There may be failure to visualize the biliary ducts even in the presence of a normal liver. Planigraphy is helpful in eliminating confusing superimposed structures and when there is only faint visualization of the common duct. Intravenous cholecystography is only of questionable value as a supplementary examination to oral cholecystography. It may prove useful in certain instances when patients are unable to retain or absorb the oral media or where emergency operation is contemplated.