Leakage from T tube tracts as determined by contrast radiology

The continuity of the T tube tract on removal of the drain was studied by fluoroscopic examination in 51 patients. Leakage was found in 25 cases (abdominal cavity 7, wound drain 6, local cavity 11, combined abdominal and wound drain leakage 1). No correlation was found between the incidence of pyrexia or pain and the presence of leakage. These complications, noted in 10 patients, are probably explained by bacterial contamination of the bile in combination with the trauma caused by extraction of the tube.