Common bile duct stones: the role of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative ERCP

The indications for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to demonstrate the presence of common bile duct stones has changed in the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Preoperative ERCP is indicated when there is strong evidence of common bile duct stones, ie, jaundice, cholangitis, ultrasound demonstration of a common bile duct stone, and specific enzyme elevations. Preoperative ERCP is not indicated in mild gallstone pancreatitis. ERCP and endoscopic sphincterotomy as the only treatment regimen is successful in elderly patients with severe comorbid illness who have gallstones and common bile duct stones. Intraoperative ERCP does not play a role in the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Transcystic common duct stone removal or laparoscopic choledochotomy is becoming the approach to common duct stones demonstrated by intraoperative cholangiography. Postoperative ERCP is indicated when intraoperative removal of common bile duct stones is unsuccessful. It is important to note that magnetic resonance cholangiography will play an increasing role and will reduce the indications and frequency of the use of ERCP.