Protective choledochoduodenostomy in multiple common duct stones in the aged.

Forty-nine patients more than 70 years of age had a follow-up examination two to eight years after choledochoduodenostomy for common duct stones or for common duct strictures following a previous biliary tract operation. Death followed operation in two patients and was not related to the choledochoduodenostomy itself. Results of the follow-up examination revealed that none of the patients had had signs or symptoms of cholangitis, jaundice or episodes of fever. One patient only had recurrent, but mild, biliary colic. Choledochoduodenostomy is well tolerated in old age and justified in elderly patients with multiple stones in dilated common ducts as a precaution against retained or recurrent common duct stones.