PITRE, A. FRIGERIO AND R. MAFFEI-FACINO

Bracco Industria Chimica °Istituto Ricerche Farmacologi- 

The various techniques available for the radiological exploration of the biliary tract can be grouped under two essential methods, one direct and the other indirect (1). The former method involves filling the gallbladder and biliary passages with a radio--opaque solution. 

This method is laborious and distressing to the patient and is rarely used. 

The indirect method is based on the biliary excretion of a contrast medium following oral or intravenous administration. 

This method is particularly suitable for examining the gallbladder, diagnosing the presence of gallstones and detecting other biliary tract disturbances. Consequently this method is in general use with a preference for the oral administration of the contrast medium (1). 

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