A double ballooned inflatable and collapsible T tube for selective proximal or distal cholangiography

A double ballooned T tube for common bile duct occlusion and optional collapse of the intra-balloon tube segments was used for improved roentgenologic delineation of the biliary tree intraoperatively and postoperatively. This silicone T tube is effective for intraoperative and completion cholangiograms, and avoids resuturing of the choledocotomy. Furthermore, with increased inflation, each balloon is capable of occluding the proximal or distal, or both, intraductal horizontal limbs. These features have been exploited for optimal imaging and therapeutic purposes. The tube with its deflated balloons is left in the common duct for drainage and further selective proximal or distal cholangiograms. Several extensions of its use can be envisaged.