[Papillomatosis of the biliary tract]

Three new cases of papillomatosis of the biliary tract are reported. A review of the literature yielded 33 cases published since 1894, which enabled the authors to collect information on the pathological, clinical and biological characteristics of biliary papillomatosis. The contribution of imaging methods to the diagnosis and treatment is developed. The course of the disease in the published cases shows that it is severe, irrespective of the type of surgical operation performed: recurrences and initially malignant lesions are frequent, apparently benign lesions may become malignant, the death rate is high (65 per cent) and cures confirmed by a sufficiently long follow-up are rare. The indications of surgery are reviewed. Liver transplantation, which is the only way to avoid recurrence and degeneration, is discussed.