An assessment of operative choledochoscopy--a worthwhile procedure or not?

The results of a nine year survey of biliary surgery are reported. The incidence of retained common bile duct stones prior to choledochoscopy was 4%. When choledochoscopy became available, the incidence of retained stones rose to 9%. This disappointing rise is probably due to inexperience with the technique and post-exploratory cholangiography is still considered mandatory.