PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic choledochoplasty of the main biliary stricture, using a 16F silastic foley catheter, in patients suffering from recurrent pyogenic cholangitis MATERIALS AND METHODS: In nine patients who had undergone stenting procedure at the site of the main stricture after the total removal of biliary stones, a 16F silastic catheter was held in position for 1-4 (mean, 2.7) months. Using ultrasonogrophy, we assessed the diameter of the bile duct 5 cm above the main stricture. RESULTS: During the follow-up period of 1-30 (mean, 18.1) months, the diameter of the bile duct above the main stricture was, in all cases, under 3 mm. CONCLUSION: In patients with recurrent pyogenic cholangitis, choledochoplasty of the biliary stricture, using a 16F silastic catheter, was therapeutically effective.