Cholangiography of the T-Tube * A T-Tube cholangiogram is a surgery performed after a patient's gallbladder has been removed and a tube to drain the bile ducts has been inserted on the patient's right side by a surgeon. Images will be taken of the bile ducts and the first segment of the small bowel (duodenum). This exam lasts around 30 minutes. No general anesthesia is required. The cholangiogram is used to identify any problems with the biliary system that may have caused the original illness leading up to the removal of the gallbladder. It may also show cancer or other problems with the pancreas, liver, or other organs surrounding the bile ducts. The doctor will draw blood and insert a needle into the back of the hand to take an image using a computerized tomography (CT) scanner. The patient may then go home while the picture is being taken. He or she will probably be asked to drink a solution containing iodine dye during the test. This allows the doctor to see which parts of the body are draining into the bile ducts. The dye enters the bloodstream through capillaries in the duodenum where it collects images of the upper part of the intestine (duodenum). A radiologist will view the images on a computer screen and diagnose any problems found. If no problems are found, your surgeon will remove the T-tube from around your belly button. Otherwise, he or she may refer you to another specialist for further treatment.