[Feasibility of radiological exploration of the main bile ducts for stones (author's transl)]

The results of cholangiography conducted pre-and post operatively (through Tatute), and during choledochotomy on 100 patients for confirmed or suspected bile duct stones are analyzed. Pre-operative opacification of the main bile ducts resulted in 13 p. cent of false positives and in a similar number of false negatives. Results of investigation during operation produced similar errors respectively in 14 and 2p. cent o of cases. Several recommendations are outlined to limit the proportion of unnecessary choledochotomies without increasing the number of neglected stones.