Oriental cholangiohepatitis

Oriental cholangiohepatitis (OCH) is a disease endemic to Asia. U.S. military physicians and surgeons deployed to these regions should be aware of this regional disease. Western physicians encounter OCH with the increasing immigration of Asians to the United States. OCH should be suspected in patients with signs of cholangitis who have traveled from Asia. Initial treatment is medical with antibiotics and identification of helminthic and parasitic infection. Unless there is inadequate response to medical treatment, surgery is delayed. Operation consists of exploration and drainage of the common bile duct. Overall results are satisfactory with prompt recognition and appropriate medical and operative treatment.