ABSTRACT
In 1974, an endoscopic technique was described in which the sphincter of Oddi was cut to gain access to the common bile duct. Jaundice is a variable accompaniment of bile duct stones. This is usually preceded by abdominal pain, although the interval between the two may be several days. More widespread abdominal tenderness extending from the epigastrium to the left upper quadrant, associated with distension, may indicate associated bile duct stone-related pancreatitis. Transabdominal ultrasound scanning is the initial imaging technique of choice for the investigation of possible bile duct stones, and in most cases the only imaging technique required. Magnetic resonance cholangiography is an alternative non-invasive method for defining the biliary tree, and uses a fast spin-echo technique that can depict both the normal as well as the obstructed bile ducts. Endoscopic ultrasound has enabled high-resolution imaging of the common bile duct, gall bladder and pancreas.
