title: Indications for exploration of the bile ducts.
abstract: A series of 477 choledochotomies for suspected choledocholithiasis is presented. The indications for exploration of the common bile duct are reviewed. Absolute indications are: palpable stones in the common bile duct, stones seen on intravenous cholangiography and jaundice during the operation. When there are only relative indications, an intraoperative pre-exploratory cholangiogram should be performed so that unnecessary exploration can be avoided.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002758:Cholangiography; D001651:Cholestasis, Extrahepatic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003135:Common Bile Duct / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D042882:Gallstones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged