Summary
1. The history of biliary endoscopy is briefly reviewed.
2. The results of cholangioscopy in 109 primary choledocholithotomies are presented: a) Calculi were missed by endoscopy in 2 patients (2%). – b) Hepatic calculi visualized by endoscopy could not be removed in two patients; both underwent primary sphincteroplasty. – c) Removal of biliary calculi was facilitated by visual localization in three patients. – d) Interpretation of inconclusive operative cholangiograms was aided in eight patients.
3. Biliary endoscopy is recommended because of its simplicity, safety and minimal extension of operating time. The usefulness of this technique is primarily in the treatment of choledocholithiasis.
4. The addition of a miniature, closed-circuit television camera further enhances the value of cholangioscopy.
Key-Words
Cholangioscopy - biliary endoscopy miniature closed circuit television camera
