Emergency surgery for a bleeding post-bulbar duodenal ulcer may entail a risk of injury to the common bile duct. In an experimental study on 20 fresh cadavers, the distance between the common bile duct and the duodenum was measured, and sutures and metal clips were placed in the duodenal wall. Sutures presented a greater risk of injury to the common bile duct than metal clips. Recent clinical experience with the application of metal clips in a bleeding post-bulbar ulcer is presented and relevant reports summarised.