title: A comparison of intraoperative ultrasound versus cholangiography in the evaluation of the common bile duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
abstract: Indications for intraoperative evaluation of the common bile duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy are controversial, as is the goal of either anatomic definition or assessing for choledocholithiasis. One hundred twenty-five consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy underwent both intraoperative ultrasound and intraoperative cholangiography. Cholangiography required slightly more time to perform; it was more sensitive (92.8% vs 71.4%) but less specific (76.2% vs 100%) for choledocholithiasis than was ultrasound. Ultrasound was somewhat more difficult to perform, and, particularly in the setting of intraabdominal obesity, was often inadequate at providing clear visualization of the intrapancreatic common bile duct. It did not provide the same anatomic definition as an adequate cholangiogram. The overall incidence of choledocholithiasis was 11.2%.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, St. Vincent Hospital and Health Care Center, Indianapolis, IN 46240-0970, USA.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Barteau
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Castro
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Arregui
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tetik
mesh_terms: D002758:Cholangiography; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic; D003135:Common Bile Duct / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D042882:Gallstones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography