Endoscopic-Radiologic Demonstration of Biliodigestive Fistulas

Summary

The efficiency of the endoscopic-radiological demonstration of bilio-digestive fistulas and of the extra- and intra-hepatic bile ducts is described and compared with the previous methods available, usually purely radiological techniques. In accordance with our experience to date, in 11 patients with bilio-digestive anastomosis, three conclusions may be drawn:

1. In our patients, the residual complaints after surgically established bilio-digestive anastomosis, were the consequence of the underlying disease not eliminated by the operation rather than the result of a too narrow anastomosis.

2. With respect to the diagnostic information yield provided, the technical execution, the percentage of complications and the stress to the patient, the endoscopic-radiological demonstration of bilio-digestive fistulas is superior to the examination methods previously used.

3. The endoscopic inspection of the anastomosis and the radiological demonstration of the intra- and extra-hepatic bile ducts are possible in all those cases, in which no mechanical obstruction obtains.

Key-Words

Duodenoscopy: bile ducts - bilio-digestive anastomoses - retrograde cholangiography