[Indications for choledochotomy and methods for its performance]

Experience in the treatment of 238 patients for nontumorous lesions of the biliary tract by choledochotomy is generalized. Choledochotomy was performed in obstructive jaundice during the operation, in cholangiolithiasis, suppurative cholangitis, strictures of the terminal part of the choledochus, and indurative pancreatitis which were attended by biliary hypertension. Diagnostic choledochotomy was undertaken only in 5.8% of patients. Twenty-two (9.2%) patients died after choledochotomy. The method of completing choledochotomy was chosen individually according to the character of the pathological changes in the bile ducts and the acuteness of the inflammatory process. Choledochotomy was completed by external drainage of the common bile duct in 116 patients, by complete suturing of the choledochus in 19, by creation of bile-draining anastomoses in 89, and by papillosphincterotomy in 14 patients. Terminal and lateral choledochoduodenoanastomosis was formed in 25 patients, with good immediate results. Mortality was highest after papillosphincterotomy and external drainage of the choledochus.