[The predictive criteria of lithiasis of the main biliary tract associated with gallbladder lithiasis]

Before the laparoscopic era, detection of CBD stones in patients with lithiasis of the gallbladder has been made, preferably, by intraoperative cholangiography. Development of laparoscopy gives the necessity of a preoperative detection of CBD stones, especially when a previous endoscopic treatment is preferred. Tenon's multifactorial score, in the Author's opinion, is able to detect patients "at risk" for CBD stones. This score includes the following parameters: age, CBD diameter, size of gallstones, colic pain and cholecystitis. The chance of CBD stones was 2% for a score lower than 3.5 and 81% for a score greater than 5.9. In this way, patients with high probability of CBD stones can be submitted to a preoperative ERCP or to a intraoperative cholangiography, according to the choices of the surgeon.