THE MEDICAL IMAGING EXPERIENCE
INFORMATION FOR THE PATIENT
T-TUBE CHOLANGIOGRAM

WHAT IS IT?
A choloangiogram is a special x-ray procedure that is done with contrast media to visualize the bile ducts after the a cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder). The bile ducts drain bile from the liver into the duodenum (first part of the small bowel).  

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO ME?
You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and lie on your back on an x-ray table. A technique called flouroscopy will be used to allow the radiologists to watch x-ray images on a TV monitor. Contrast media will be injected through the t-tube into the bile ducts, and x-ray pictures will be taken at this time. After the x-ray pictures have been checked for quality, the t-tube will be reconnected to the drainage bag.

HOW LONG WILL THIS TEST TAKE?
The test will take approximately 30-60 minutes to complete.

WHAT WILL I FEEL -- WILL IT HURT?
There are no side effects and the exam is not uncomfortable.

WHAT WILL THE TEST SHOW?
This examination will demonstrate the bile duct and its branches to see if there are gallstones still present in duct system.

HOW DO I GET READY?
You will need to a spare bile bag with you in case we need to change your bag during the procedure.

Reviewed: December 2005