Retrograde pancreatography and cholangiography by fiber duodenoscope.

Abstract

Under direct vision a fiber duodenoscope was inserted into the descending part of the duodenum of patients under general anesthesia. The ampulla of Vater was observed in 4 of 7 patients and cannulation of the ampulla was successful in 2 cases. Cholangiography was performed along with pancreatography by the infusion of 60% urografin. Both of these patients were diagnosed as having choledocholithiasis by retrograde cholangiography. The relationship of the formation of a common channel between the common bile and pancreatic ducts and changes in the ampulla of Vater caused by disease were studied radiographically by the cannulation of the ampulla of Vater. Serum amylase level increased abruptly but returned to the normal level within 1 week in the subject whose entire pancreas was visualized by radiography.