[Concrement in the biliary tract-Problems of endoscopic and radiological diagnosis-Possibilities of endoscopic therapeutic measures].

The scope of diagnosis of diseases of the biliary tract has been considerably amplified by the addition of retrograde endoscopic cholangiography. With appropriate indications and technique, it is superior to the conventional radiological methods. The method is particularly indicated in biliodigestive anastomoses, the probing of which usually presents no problems, The diagnosis and therapeutic possibilities-removal of foreign material from the biliary tract after radiological visualisation in a single operation-are discussed with reference to three cases. Useful additions to the conventional equipment are the modified Dormia basket and the Fogarty catheter.