Gray-Scale Ultrasound: Utility Preoperatively and Postoperatively in a Patient With Obstructive Jaundice

• We present a case of obstructing calculi of the common bile duct diagnosed by ultrasonography. Postoperatively, a sterile abscess due to bile leakage at the distal common bile duct developed, and was also diagnosed by ultrasound Ultrasonography was useful in following the course of clearing of the bile collection. Preoperative ultrasound evaluation of the jaundiced patient should be followed by postoperative sonography, especially if complications occur. ( Arch Surg 112:1137-1138, 1977)