Cholangioscopic differentiation of biliary strictures and polyps.

Since April 1977 percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy (PTCS) has been carried out in 428 cases comprising 213 cases of malignant disease and 215 benign cases. PTCS is performed through the dilated sinus track of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. When irregularly dilated and tortuous vessels, which we called tumor vessels, are revealed on biliary strictures or polyps, a correct diagnosis of cancer can be made. Benign biliary strictures with or without gallstones, or polypoid lesions without tumor vessels such as granulomas, can be differentiated by cholangioscopic biopsy. The positive rate of cholangioscopic biopsy in 57 cases of bile duct cancer was 96%. PTCS should be used pre-operatively as a definitive diagnostic procedure for biliary tract strictures and polyps.