Chiba percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography. A valuable method for visualizing the nondilated biliary tract

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography with the Chiba needle has had remarkable results in cannulating small bile ducts. We have roentgenographically visualized a nondilated biliary system in the first five out of seven cases attempted. Including our series, there have been 71 successful Chiba studies in 107 nondilated or presumed normal biliary tracts with only one questionable major complication. The technique is simple to learn, particularly in comparison with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. Since the incidence of complications is low, surgical standby should seldom be necessary. The value of the Chiba percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram is described via four unusual case reports.