Abstract
To the Editor: —I have welcomed the important communication of Drs. Richter and Buchbinder on this subject inThe Journal, December 6. Although undoubtedly not giving the last word, the authors serve the good purpose of stimulating controversy on the vital subject of drainage of the common bile duct—a subject which in greater part surgeons the world over seem to regard as settled. The authors emphasize the desirability of closing the abdominal wound without drainage in order to avoid adhesions, taking it for granted, I presume, that it would be superfluous to call attention to the much more serious and occasionally disastrous results which follow the prolonged loss of bile by way of the incision into the common duct. To surgeons who are not prepared to follow the example of Drs. Richter and Buchbinder I would recommend drainage of the common duct by a small tube passed well into it

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