Objective To study significance of anicteric biliary tract dilatation in early diagnosis and treatment of patients with periampullary carcinoma.Method Review the resection rate and survival rate of 16 periampullary carcinoma patients with anicteric biliary tract obstruction found out by B-ultrasound,CT or PTC during 13 years(1986-1999).Result The operative resection rate was 87.50%(14/16) ,5-year survival rate was 43.75%(7/16),3-year survival rate was 62.50%(10/16).Conclusions Biliary tract dilatation existed before icterus occurred,while syndromes such as upset of upper abdomen,reclusion, epigastralgia distention and anorexia, may occur 1-3 months ahead of icterus occurred in patients with periampullary carcinoma. If the patient has syndromes mentioned above, more than 40 years of age and biliary tract dilatation found by B-ultrasound, CT,PTC or ERCP, periampullary carcinoma should be considered. The patients should be checked by operation,so as to raise the operative resection rate and survival rate.