Abstract
The results of combined supraduodenal and transduodenal exploration of the common bile duct in 42 selected cases are presented. The indications for this operation were: the presence of multiple calculi in the common bile duct: stones impacted in the ampullary region; residual stones in the common bile duct following previous surgery on the biliary tract; stricture at the papilla and pancreatitis associated with cholelithiasis. After the procedure no patient had residual stones in the common bile duct. Serious complications were infrequent; there were no postoperative deaths and postoperative pancreatitis occurred in only one patient.