Objective The clinical significance and the approcach of inserting the scope were studied. Methods 148 patients underwent the examination in our hospital through October 1993 to December 1998. The scope was put into biliary system via common bile duct (CBD) in 108 cases, cystic duct in 20 and the confluence of the two in 26. Results Extrahepatic stones were found in 103 cases with total extirpation, while the intrahepatic ones were removed in only 10 out of 18 cases ( rate of residual stone=37.5％ ). Biopsies were taken in 17 cases with a detection of biliary cancer (n=5), CBD malignancy (n=8) and inflammatory change (n=4). Conclusion The application of intraoperative cholangioscopy offers ready reduction of residual stone and correct diagnosis with biopsy. The scope can be passed through cystic duct, CBD or their junction, depending on real conditions.