With reference to choice of procedure and longterm results, 52 cases of benign stricture of the extrahepatic biliary tracts are presented. In 86.2% of the cases followed up, the aim of immediate biliary drainage and the formation of a permanent outflow into the intestine are achieved. But freedom from relapse and complaints was attained in only 62.1%. The danger of new obstructions, cholangitis and subsequent liver damage is not removed so that a definite cure cannot be spoken of. Since in most cases strictures in chronic gallstone diseases and iatrogenic stenoses after the first operation on the biliary tract or stomach are involved, an early operation for confirmed gallstone diseases and accurate operative technique achieve considerable prophylactic character.