Biliary Tract Radiology

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.

This book, written by experts from a wide range of countries, provides comprehensive coverage of the role of radiology in respect of the biliary tract. Following background chapters on anatomy, each of the diagnostic imaging techniques is carefully discussed and appraised. The therapeutic approaches to the various biliary disorders, both benign and malignant, are then described in depth. Full consideration is given to newer techniques such as magnetic resonance cholangiography and percutaneous cholangioscopy. This up-to-date and well illustrated volume will prove an indispensable source of information on biliary pathology.