Retrograde hepatography and indirect lymphography of the liver: an experimental study in the dog.

Retrograde infusion of large amounts of water-soluble contrast agents into the biliary system results in only a brief hepatogram. A dense hepatogram lasting for several weeks and visualization of hepatic and celiac lymph nodes equal to that in direct lymphography can be obtained after retrograde biliary infusion of Ethiodol. In serching for metastasis from tumor in the liver, gall-bladder, bile ducts, pancreas, stomach, and duodenum, radiographic visualization of these nodes may help. If proved safe, the procedure can be performed by endocopic cannulation of the common bile duct.