T tube cholangiogram

T-tube cholangiograms are a fluoroscopic study performed in the setting of hepatobiliary disease.  This technique has been largely superseded by MRCP and ERCP.

Typically a T-shaped tube is left in the common bile duct at the time of surgery (e.g. cholecystectomy) and allows for exploration of the common bile duct (choledochotomy) and retrieval of common bile duct stones. At a later date (usually approximately 10 days), imaging of the biliary tree (cholangiogram) is performed via the tube.