Laparoscopic sonography: a real alternative to cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
OBJECTIVE
The routine use of intraoperative cholangiography (CGP) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is still under debate. Previous reports suggest that intraoperative sonography can replace CGP in the evaluation of common duct lithiasis during open cholecystectomy. The present study was performed to evaluate the possible role of sonography during LC.


METHODS
45 patients were submitted to laparoscopic sonography of biliary tree during LC. In all cases, CGP was performed.


RESULTS
In 37 cases, sonography did not show the presence of stones; in 7 cases, common bile duct stones were identified by sonography; one false negative was observed. A sensitivity of 87.5%, a specificity of 100% and an overall accuracy of 97.8% were obtained. A false positive was obtained with CGP with a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity 97.3%, and an overall accuracy of 97.8%.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic sonography can represent an adequate substitute for CGP as a screening procedure during LC.
Goletti
O
O
Department of Emergency Surgery, University of Pisa.
Buccianti
P
P
Ferrari
M
M
Celona
G
G
Chiarugi
M
M
Cavina
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002758:Cholangiography; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005705:Gallbladder Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000379:methods*