Cholangiography of intrahepatic bile ducts in hepatolithiasis by endoscopic placement of an indwelling balloon catheter.

To improve the diagnostic yield and safety of endoscopic retrograde balloon catheter cholangiography, two technical refinements were added: (1) intraductal retention of a balloon catheter allowing injection of a contrast medium in the supine position; and (2) slow, constant injection of the contrast medium with a heavy-duty infusion pump. Maximum filling of intrahepatic branches was attempted by both the original balloon method and the new method in seven hepatolithiasis patients. The new method was superior for visualization of the right intrahepatic ducts. Although there were no significant differences in the amount of filling of the left intrahepatic ducts, the new method provided an unobstructed view since the endoscope was out of the way. Harmful rapid increase of intraductal pressure and excessive injection of contrast medium were avoided by fluoroscopically controlled infusion. No serious complications were encountered.