Indications for and results following exploration of the common bile duct for stones.

Among 100 consecutive patients who had removal or drainage of the gallbladder and exploration of the common bile duct for stones, there were no serious, immediate or late complications and there were no operative deaths. Ninety-six of the 100 patients had stones in the gallbladder, in the common duct, or in both, and 52 of these patients had one or more stones in the common duct. Ten patients died subsequently of unrelated causes. Six patients were lost to followup. Of the 84 patients whose present condition is known, 75 or 89 per cent have had a completely satisfactory result. Six more patients have minor residual symptoms, and for them the result has been classified as good. In three patients, the results were unsatisfactory. Cholangiograms taken before the removal of the T-tube showed residual stones in two patients. In each instance, the stone or stones have been subsequently passed and both patients are in excellent condition.