Hyponatremia after choledochostomy and T tube drainage

The incidence of hyponatremia in a study of 208 patients with common duct exploration was determined. The total amount and the daily average biliary drainage were calculated on all patients. The importance of the amount of daily biliary drainage, the total amount of biliary drainage, and the effect of prolonged drainage are discussed as factors in the development of hyponatremia. The causative factors for increased drainage volumes in the patients in whom hyponatremia developed are analyzed. The additional effects of pre-existing adrenocortical or renal disease or the treatment of cardiac disease are discussed as factors in the development of hyponatremia.