The procedure is used to allow the bile to drain. It may be curative or palliative.
 
Indications

• Biliary obstruction.
• Cholangitis.
• Bile duct stricture.
• Bile duct stones.
• Jaundice caused by cancer.

• Excessive bleeding.
• Infection.
• Anastomotic leak.
• Recurrence.
• Reaction to anesthesia.

Choledochojejunostomy is fairly effective in establishing biliary drainage, but it is not a cure for some of the reasons why the procedure was necessary to begin with. As a palliative procedure, it can help a patient be more comfortable as they undergo cancer treatments.
 
What if the procedure is not performed?
Depending on the reason for the procedure, not undergoing it may have life-threatening complications.
 

Alternative treatments depend on the reason for the procedure in the first place. Stones may be removed using an endoscope during an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). A choledochoduodenostomy is a similar procedure that connects the common bile duct to the duodenum. In some cases, the bile duct may be dissected and widened, and equipment may be placed to facilitate drainage.