From the Research
Sterile 0.9% sodium chloride is safe to use for irrigating the common bile duct, as it is isotonic and minimally irritating to tissues, and does not cause electrolyte imbalances. When performing bile duct irrigation, it is essential to maintain sterile technique and use the solution at body temperature (37°C) to prevent patient discomfort and potential complications. The irrigation should be done with gentle pressure to avoid ductal injury or forcing debris further into the biliary tree. Normal saline helps to flush out bile, stones, sludge, or debris while maintaining the physiological environment of the biliary system.
Some key considerations for bile duct irrigation include:
- Using sterile technique to prevent infection
- Maintaining the solution at body temperature to prevent discomfort and complications
- Irrigating with gentle pressure to avoid ductal injury
- Normal saline as the standard solution due to its safety profile and compatibility with biliary epithelium
- Potential addition of antibiotics to the irrigation solution under appropriate medical supervision, as discussed in studies such as 1, which explored the effects of photoactivated ciprofloxacin and bile acids on biofilms on bile duct catheters.
It's also important to note that while other solutions like lactated Ringer's may be used, normal saline remains the most common choice for bile duct irrigation due to its safety and compatibility. Studies such as 2, 3, and 4 provide context on the management of biliary infections and the use of antibiotics, but the most recent and relevant study 1 supports the safety and efficacy of using sterile 0.9% sodium chloride for irrigation.