Which purpose is served by a set of Bakes?

A set of Bakes is used specifically for dilating the common bile duct. This type of dilation is primarily performed to address conditions such as strictures or obstruction in the duct, which can arise due to gallstones, inflammation, or other pathologies. Bakes dilators are designed to gradually increase the diameter of the duct, allowing for better passage of bile and ensuring unobstructed flow.

In the context of surgical procedures, these dilators are introduced into the duct system and expanded carefully to minimize trauma to the surrounding tissues. This controlled dilation is crucial in facilitating endoscopic procedures or surgeries that may involve the bile duct.

Other dilation purposes, such as anal or cervical dilation, involve different specialized instruments or techniques tailored for those specific anatomical areas and their respective conditions. Therefore, understanding the specialized use of Bakes dilators reinforces their role in the management of common duct issues, distinguishing them from dilators used in other anatomical contexts.