[Infections of the biliary tract. Usefulness of bile culture in surgical environment].

During 1980 seventy-five selected bile samples, obtained by transcutaneal colangiography before surgery, during the operation and by drainage after surgery, were examined at the Microbiological Laboratory, Main University Hospital of Milan. Aerobic cultures were successful 75% of cases. Seventeen samples were tested also for strict anaerobic bacteria and ten (59%) showed positive findings. Identified species and the antibiotic sensitivity spectre of the isolates are described. Comparing their results with those from Literature, the authors discuss the indication of both aerobic anaerobic bile cultures, and the need to monitor after surgery the patients undergoing complicate operations of the biliary tract.