[The cystic duct stump after laparoscopic cholecystectomy]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the length of cystic-duct stumps after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. 113 patients underwent intravenous cholangiography 2 to 3 months postoperatively, whereby a cystic-duct remnant of up to 1 cm was found in 34.5% (n = 39) and between 1 and 2 cm in 36.3% (n = 41). In 24.8% (n = 28) a stump measuring 2 to 3 cm was registered and in 4.4% (n = 5) the cystic-duct remnant was more than 3 cm. Possible consequences with regard to the development of the postcholecystectomy syndrome are discussed. In our experience laparoscopic cholangiography seems to be a useful procedure to detect cysticolithiasis and as preliminary measure to undertaking the correct therapeutic steps. Adherence of this strategy might avoid possible later complications by elimination of their principal cause.