Nasobiliary double contrast radiography and nasobiliary cytological diagnosis via
nasobiliary catheter were performed in 30 patients with biliary diseases to assess
the diagnostic usefulness and limitations of the procedures. The results showed that
the contour and fine mucosal pattern of the extrahepatic bile duct could be demonstrated
adequately (88 %) by nasobiliary double contrast radiography. In contrast, the intrahepatic
bile duct could not be fully demonstrated (56 %) by nasobiliary double contrast radiography
because of its anatomical structure. On the other hand the fine reticular pattern
of the mucosa was defined in each section of the gallbladder by nasobiliary double
contrast radiography. This procedure is thus a valuable method for detection of mucosal
lesions of the extrahepatic bile duct and gallbladder, especially carcinoma. The cell
collection rate was not as high (59 %) using conventional nasobiliary cytological
diagnosis. Brush cytology via a nasobiliary catheter was shown to be a useful adjunct
to other diagnostic procedures.
Biliary disease - Nasobiliary catheter - Double-contrast radiography - Bile cytology
