The usual method of collecting bile from a cholecystectomy or choledochostomy wound is to connect the drainage tube with a bottle attached to the bed or to the patient's dressings. When attached to the bed, ambulation is not practical. The usual bottles attached to the dressing are heavy and bulky. There is no standardization of methods of connecting the tube to the bottle. If tightly fitted, there is danger of pulling the tube out of the gall bladder or common duct by movements which might detach the bottle from the dressing.
To prevent accidental traction on the tube, we have adopted use of a special bottle and special connections.
A plastic, translucent, curved flask1 (Fig. 1) is used for collecting bile. The flask is inconspicuous because of its shape, which fits the patient's body, and due to its light weight is more comfortable than a glass container; both these