[Intervention radiologic treatments of the bile ducts as an alternative to reoperation]

Balloon dilatation and diathermic cutting of the papilla of Vater through a T-drainage tube or a percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage catheter were performed in 12 patients with jaundice, cholangitis, or acute pancreatitis due to retained common duct stones or benign papillary stenosis. Both methods are an alternative to reoperation and, in addition, there is a minor risk.