Biliary ascariasis--endoscopic aspects. Report of 4 cases.

Retrograde cholangiography was carried out in 4 small children with suspected roundworm infestation of the biliary tree. An adult-sized side-viewing fibre-optic duodenoscope was employed, and a general anaesthetic was given in each case. Roundworms were frequently seen protruding from the papillary orifice when biliary infestation was present. Cannulation of the duodenal papilla was shown to be eminently feasible in these small children, whose average weight was 12,4 kg. The degree of infestation and the response to vermifuge therapy could be determined with precision by retrograde cholangiography. It is suggested that this procedure has a place in the management of the complicated case of biliary ascariasis, and that it should certainly be considered when surgery is contemplated.