This book, edited by Prof. PLINIO ROSSI, an internationally well-known expert in biliary tract radiology, provides in 31 chapters a very comprehensive update on both diagnostic and therapeutic radiology of the biliary tract. First, a very complete and interesting overview of the normal morphology of the ana tomical area is presented by an anatomist, a radiologist, and a surgeon. This is followed by a discussion not only of the well-known and accepted imaging modalities, but also of the newer ones such as, magnetic resonance imaging and endoluminal and laparoscopic ultra sound. The book thus illustrates very nicely the diversity of diagnostic radiological tech niques that are currently available. Considerable technical progress and remarkable new insights in biliary tract radiology have been achieved in the field of the radiological interventional approach during recent years. Therefore, much emphasis has been placed in this book on the therapeutic possibili ties of the radiologist using the percutaneous minimally invasive approach for the treat ment of the various pathological conditions of the biliary tract. It is most impressive to note the substantial progress in terms of patient comfort achieved by using the percutaneous as compared to the surgical methods. These new methods also result in shorter hospitalization times and thereby help to reduce health care costs. This book provides the interested reader with a fascinating and very complete over view of these new procedures.

Anatomy

1 Anatomy
2 Radiological Anatomy
3 Surgical Anatomy of the Biliary Ducts
Diagnostic Imaging
4 Oral Cholecystography
5 Ultrasonography of the Gallbladder
6 CT of the Gallbladder
7 MRI of the Gallbladder
8 Ultrasonography of the Bile Ducts
9 CT of the Biliary Tree
10 MRI of the Bile Ducts
11 Endoluminal Ultrasonography of the Biliary Tree
12 Laparoscopic Ultrasonography in Benign and Malignant Biliary Diseases
13 Nuclear Medicine in Acute and Chronic Disorders of the Hepatobiliary Tree
14 Diagnostic Imaging of the Gallbladder and Hepatobiliary System in Children
Interventional Radiology
Benign Diseases
15 Percutaneous Cholecystostomy for Treatment of Benign Gallbladder Disease
16 Benign Biliary Diseases: Surgical Approach
17 A Percutaneous Treatment of Benign Biliary Stenoses and Injuries
B Use of Metallic Stents in Benign Biliary Strictures: Mid- and Long-Term Results
C Percutaneous Biliary Endoscopy: Technique and Clincial Applications
18 Role of Endoscopy in the Treatment of Benign Biliary Disease
19 Benign Biliary Disease: Management of Bile Duct Stones
20 Role of Interventional Radiology in Laparoscopic Injuries of the Bile Duct
21 Biliary Complications After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: Imaging and Intervention
22 Recurrent Pyogenic Cholangitis: Pathology, Imaging and Management by Interventional Radiology
Malignant Diseases
23 Primary Cholangiocarcinoma of the Porta Hepatis: The Surgeon's Point of View
24 Critical Evaluation of the Different Imaging Modalities for Preoperative Staging of Bile Duct Carcinoma
25 Percutaneous Management of Malignant Biliary Tract Obstruction
26 Percutaneous Hepatogastric Biliary Drainage
27 Management of Malignant Biliary Strictures
28 Comparison ofVarious Types of Metallic Biliary Stents
29 Metallic Stents in Malignant Biliary Obstruction: Autopsy Findings on Causes of Obstruction
30 Endoluminal Radiation Therapy and Infusion Chemotherapy for Malignant Biliary Strictures
31 Controversies in Biliary Intervention
List of Contributors.