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Normal post-cholecystectomy T-tube cholangiogram

Case contributed by Henry Knipe
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Post laparoscopic cholecystectomy. T-tube inserted for retrieval of common duct stones ?bile leak.

Patient Data

Age: 80 years
Gender: Female

T-tube cholangiogram

Fluoroscopy

T-tube and surgical drain tube noted. Surgical clips in the region of the cystic duct remnant. No filling defect or contrast leak identified. Contrast reaches the duodenum. Extensive costal cartilage calcification noted. 

Case Discussion

T-tubes are placed to allow for choledochotomy and exploration of the common bile duct in the setting of cholecystectomy for gallstones. They can be complicated by bile leak (~5%), fistula formation, peritonitis/sepsis, and tube failure/malposition.

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