Operative pancreatography.

The results of operative pancreatography in 32 patients with pancreatitis are reported. The main pancreatic duct was successfully and adequately demonstrated in 30 patients: in 29 by cannulation of the major ampulla, and in one by direct needle puncture of the duct. No films were obtained in one patient, and in another only the accessory duct could be demonstrated. There was thus a high rate of technical success, but the frequency of gross abnormalities of the major pancreatic duct was low, except in those patients with traumatic pancreatitis. These results are relevant to the assessment of the value of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in pancreatic disease.