Intraoperative cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
BACKGROUND
The routine use of intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains controversial.


METHODS
A retrospective review of 950 consecutive laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed during an 8-year period was performed. For the first 2 years, IOC was performed selectively, and thereafter routinely.


RESULTS
Attempted in 896 patients, IOC was successful in 734 (82%). Bile duct stones were found in 77 patients (10%), dilated ducts without stones in 47 patients (6%), and anatomic variations in 4 patients (0.5%). There were four (0.4%) minor intraoperative complications related to the IOC, with no consequences for the patients. There were three (0.3%) minor injuries of the bile duct, which were identified with IOC and repaired at the time of cholecystectomy without any consequences for the patients. In two of these patients, the structure recognized and catheterized as the cystic duct was revealed by IOC to be the bile duct. Thus IOC prevented extension to a major common bile duct (CBD) injury.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings show that IOC is a safe technique. Its routine use during laparoscopic cholecystectomy may not prevent bile duct injuries, but it minimizes the extent of the injury so that it can be repaired easily without any consequences for the patient. The prevention of a major bile duct injury makes IOC cost effective.
Vezakis
A
A
Leeds Institute for Minimally Invasive Therapy, General Infirmary and University Division of Surgery, Great George Street, Leeds LS1 3EX, England.
Davides
D
D
Ammori
B J
BJ
Martin
I G
IG
Larvin
M
M
McMahon
M J
MJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002758:Cholangiography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D042882:Gallstones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors