[Perioperative diagnosis of bile duct stones]

Perioperative cholangiography and laparoscopic ultrasound are two equally effective methods of diagnosing common bile duct stones. Ultrasound, however, can diagnose other pathological changes and is not associated with radiation risk. Intraoperative diagnostics should be performed in cases where the risk of stones or other pathology is considered to be high. Standard intraoperative diagnostics probably do not reduce the risk of accidential lesions of the common bile duct. Choledochoscopy and perioperative ERCP include a possibility for therapy and may be chosen in selected cases.