Therapy of lithiasis of the main biliary passages

: On the basis of a total of 3692 surgical interventions performed on biliary pathways, of which 431 (11,6%) for lithiasis of the hepato-choledocus, the authors discuss the indications, the limitations and the results of surgical treatment in this affection. The postoperative death rate was 10,3% in the first 10 years of the period during which these interventions have been performed and decreased to 5,5% in the last 10 years. The late results were good and very good in 85% of the cases. In view of the continuing decrease in the death rate after surgery, and for improving late results, the authors stress the necessity of early interventions in the lithiasis of main biliary pathways. They also stress the correct exploration of the hepato-choledocus in the course of all surgical intervention upon the biliary pathways.