Biliary tract surgery and cirrhosis: a critical combination.

Gallbladder and extrahepatic bile duct operations merit special consideration in cirrhotic patients. During the past 15 years at Strong Memorial Hospital, 33 cirrhotic patients have undergone cholecystectomy or an operation for bile duct obstruction. Of the 21 patients with cirrhosis subjected to cholecystectomy for cholecystitis and cholelithiasis, nine had uncomplicated courses. Included in this group was one patient in whom the intrahepatic...