[Diagnosis and treatment of obstructive cholangitis]

The results of complex diagnosis and treatment in 237 patients with obstructive cholangitis are discussed. On basis of the analysis of the obtained data the therapeutic measures were undertaken in two stages: emergency endoscopic decompression of the biliary tract was carried out at the peak of the clinical manifestations, whereas final correction of the obstruction, if necessary, was performed after removal of infection in the bile ducts, complete relief of endogenic intoxication, and normalization of hepatic function. Such therapeutic tactics reduced acute cholangitis mortality to 5.5%.