Actual time required for dynamic fluoroscopic intraoperative cholangiography.
OBJECTIVE
This study was undertaken to determine the actual amount of time a dynamic fluoroscopic intraoperative cholangiogram adds to a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A secondary objective was to define the information gained from this procedure.


METHODS
A consecutive case study of 52 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy was used. Time was recorded from placement of a laparoscopic hemoclip across the cystic duct at its junction with the gallbladder until successful completion of the intraoperative cholangiogram. The mean, median, and range of times for these cases, as well as the results and false-negative rates, were determined.


RESULTS
Cholangiography was successfully completed in 96% of patients. The mean time added to laparoscopic cholecystectomy by the addition of dynamic fluoroscopic intraoperative cholangiography was 4.3 minutes. The median time was 3.0 minutes. The times ranged from 2.0 minutes to 16.0 minutes. Choledocholithiasis was present in 15.4% of these patients. The false-positive rate was zero in this study.


CONCLUSIONS
Dynamic fluoroscopic intraoperative cholangiogram was fast and efficient. The information gained was significant in that 15% of patients proceeded on to laparoscopic common bile duct exploration. We conclude that intraoperative cholangiography should be a routine addition to laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Eastern New Mexico Medical Center, Roswell, New Mexico, USA. wwwt@dfn.com
Donald E
DE
Wenner
Paul
P
Whitwam
David
D
Turner
Kathy
K
Kennedy
Syed
S
Hashmi
D002758:Cholangiography / Q000379:methods*; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors