Side-to-side choledochoduodenostomy: a reappraisal based on a study of 70 patients.

We experienced a total of 70 side-to-side choledochoduodenostomy cases and 80% of them were indicated for gallstone disease patients. There were no early postoperative complications, but intrahepatic gallstones developed in 2 cases. The size of the stoma and the width of the common duct were reduced about 30% within 3 postoperative months. Although clinical cholangitis did not occur in the presence of an adequate stoma, histological cholangitis was constantly seen throughout 10-year-follow-up period. Strictness of operative indications, and periodical and long term follow-up study of postoperative patients are mandatory to obtain better clinical results.