Intraoperative cholangiography time in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: timing the radiographer

The debate for and against the routine use of intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) continues. One of the main arguments against the routine use of the technique during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the length of time it takes, which in turn increases the cost. In this study, we recorded the time spent by the radiographer providing IOC service in the context of optimizing the utilization of the radiographer and IOC time.

A total of 91 consecutive LCS, including 19 laparoscopic bile duct explorations, from April 2003 to January 2004 were included in the study. We recorded the time the radiographer took from receiving a call to arriving in the theater, the time he or she spent performing the IOC, and the total time spent in theater. We also recorded the total operative time.

The mean time from call to arrival was 9 min (SD = 3, n = 91). The mean total time spent by the radiographer in the theater involved in performing the IOC during LC was 15 min (SD = 8, n = 72), and that during laparoscopic exploration was 46 min (SD = 20, n = 19). The mean operative time was 67 min (SD = 24) and 135 min (SD = 59), respectively.

Radiographer services as well as IOC time could be optimized to facilitate the routine use of this important technique in LC. Optimizing the logistics and time factor in IOC is an integral component of single-stage management of patients with suspected bile duct stones.