[Value of percutaneous catheter cholangiography in postoperative biliodigestive and bilio-biliary anastomoses].
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relative importance of percutaneous catheter cholangiography in postoperative diagnostics after biliary reconstruction.


METHODS
55 patients (33 males, 22 females) were subjected to 101 catheter cholangiographies. 30-50 ml of a water-soluble, iodic contrast medium were administered via an infusion system. Initial examinations were performed between the 3rd and 7th day following operation, while follow-up examinations were executed between the 8th and 145th day after surgery. The position of the catheter, the function of the anastomosis, the filling of the biliary ducts and the discharge of the contrast medium were assessed.


RESULTS
45 examinations were inconspicuous. Drainage obstruction of the contrast medium was observed in 24 cases. Filling defects were observed in 8 examinations. A dislocation of the catheter was encountered in 5 cholangiographies while 19 examinations displayed a bile leak.


CONCLUSIONS
Percutaneous catheter cholangiographies can be used to detect postoperative complications following biliary reconstruction in an easy, reliable, and cost-effective manner that also does not put too much strain on the patient. Indications for the implementation of catheter cholangiographies are the occurrence of abdominal complaints, the clinical appearance of a peritonitis, or an increase of the serum bilirubin value. Routine examinations are recommended in conditions following liver transplantations. In addition to this, a cholangiography should be carried out prior to the removal of the catheter.
Barkhausen
J
J
Zentralinstitut für Röntgendiagnostik, Universitätsklinikum Essen.
Bidlingmaier
J
J
Müller
R D
RD
Langer
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D001661:Biliary Tract Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002758:Cholangiography / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002763:Cholecystectomy; D002768:Choledochostomy; D002779:Cholestasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D005119:Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012086:Reoperation; D015607:Stents; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery