CONGENITAL CYSTIC DILATATION OF THE COMMON BILE DUCT

Abstract

The case here reported illustrates an unusual condition of intermittent obstruction with cystic dilatation of the common bile duct. Because of one proved congenital case and the fact that the onset occurs frequently in childhood, this condition is classified as congenital. Failure, in the past, to recognize this type of obstruction and to provide internal drainage has resulted in an operative mortality of 71 per cent. All cases in which operation was not performed have resulted in death. <h3>REPORT OF CASE</h3><h3>History.</h3> —Mrs. S., aged 49 years and 10 months, who entered the Presbyterian Hospital, Nov. 16, 1922, complained chiefly of recurrent pain in the right upper quadrant with severe exacerbations and colic, associated with nausea and vomiting; jaundice with the severe attacks of pain, and inability to eat more than a scanty diet, because of the resultant pain. The patient was born in Holland. According to her mother, from