Is preoperative evaluation of the biliary tree necessary in uncomplicated gallstone disease? Results of a randomized trial.
OBJECTIVE
To analyse if preoperative radiology is of value in patients with uncomplicated gallstone disease.


METHODS
312 patients intended for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly allocated to undergo preoperative radiology (intravenous cholangiography or magnetic resonance cholangiography) or to a control group. Intraoperative cholangiography was not used routinely in either group.


RESULTS
There was no bile duct injury and no difference in complication frequency between the two groups. The incidence of common bile duct stones was 3.8% within the first postoperative year with no statistical difference between the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Routine preoperative evaluation of the bile tree seems unnecessary before laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with uncomplicated gallstone disease.
Järhult
J
J
Centre for Gastrointestinal Disease, Ersta Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. johannes.jarhult@lj.se
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001659:Biliary Tract / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D049448:Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance; D005260:Female; D005704:Gallbladder / Q000473:pathology*; D042882:Gallstones / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome