A method of performing percutaneous cholangiography is suggested that may substantially reduce the incidence of bile peritonitis and also alleviate the necessity of immediate operation when an obstructive biliary lesion is encountered. By passing a catheter percutaneously via the right internal jugular vein, a direct line approach is made available to the hepatic vein via the superior vena cava, right atrium, and the inferior vena cava. Through this catheter a needle may be inserted for percutaneous cholangiography by puncturing the bile ducts from inside the liver. Technic Under sterile conditions, an area of skin and subcutaneous tissue is anesthetized with local anesthesia about 3 cm below the angle of the mandible and immediately medial to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. A 3 mm stab wound of the skin and subcutaneous tissues is made to prevent later hang-up of the catheter. An 18-gauge thin-walled needle approximately 8 cm long is attached to a 10 cc plain tip syringe containing 7 cc of 1 per cent X y...