title: Scintigraphic detection of bile leaks after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
abstract: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is widely accepted as an alternative to traditional open cholecystectomy. Its advantages are a shorter hospital stay, earlier return to normal activity, less pain, and improved cosmetic results. However, in the initial experience with this technique, biliary leaks were several times more frequent than in traditional cholecystectomy. Four cases of scintigraphic detection of biliary leaks after laparoscopic cholecystectomy are described. The results of the examination are compared in two cases with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and in the remaining two with intraoperative findings. Hepatobiliary scintigraphy is suggested for early evaluation of postoperative complications involving the biliary system.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University, Ohio 44106.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gentili
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Gilkeson
authors.forename: L P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Adler
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001646:Bile; D001652:Bile Ducts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D001659:Biliary Tract / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007098:Imino Acids; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008099:Liver / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D015609:Organotechnetium Compounds; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D019785:Technetium Tc 99m Disofenin
chemical_list: D007098:Imino Acids; D015609:Organotechnetium Compounds; D019785:Technetium Tc 99m Disofenin