[Pathogen elimination after surgical interventions on common bile duct (author's transl)].

Of 130 bile samples from the choledochus, 64% were positive for bacteria. Different antibiotics were administered according to the susceptibility tests. Colony counts were monitored daily. Beta-lactam antibiotics lead to a more rapid pathogen clearance than the tetracyclines. Antibiotic therapy is discussed especially in older patients and in patients with recurrent interventions on common bile duct. Bile cultures were positive in most of these patients.