title: Is sterile water irrigation safe during postoperative choledochoscopy? A prospective trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the safety of sterile water irrigation during postoperative choledochoscopy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Consecutive open study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Teaching hospital, Taiwan.
  
  
  METHODS
  60 patients who were to undergo choledochoscopy at least 4 weeks after choledochotomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sterile water was used to maintain a clear view of the biliary tree during fibreoptic choledochoscopy after removal of the T-tube.
  
  
  METHODS
  Changes in serum electrolyte concentrations and osmolality after the procedure. Morbidity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no significant differences between serum sodium, potassium, and chloride concentrations or osmolality measured before and after choledochoscopy. One patient developed haemobilia and two had transient chills and fever, and two had abdominal pain. There were no systemic signs of excessive water absorption.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  With careful monitoring sterile water can safely be used during postoperative choledochoscopy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Medical College, Taiwan, R.O.C.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Sheen-Chen
authors.forename: F F
authors.initials: FF
authors.lastname: Chou
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003135:Common Bile Duct / Q000601:surgery*; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000378:metabolism; D016145:Endoscopy, Digestive System; D005260:Female; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D042882:Gallstones / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D004573:Electrolytes; D014867:Water