Bile plug syndrome: successful management with a mucolytic agent

Common bile duct obstruction, in an infant with bile plug syndrome, was relieved at surgery with a mucolytic agent, after an unsuccessful attempt at clearing the biliary tree with saline irrigation. This procedure obviated choledochotomy in this patient, and may be of use in other infants with ductal obstruction complicating the inspissated bile, associated with gut rest, parenteral nutrition, or diuretic therapy.