Justification for routine cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been accepted by surgeons in the United States with unprecedented rapidity. Since introduction it has become, in many areas, the standard of care for treating patients with cholelithiasis. However, as with all new surgical procedures, complications are being recognized. Bile duct injuries are a complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, perhaps with greater incidence than with traditional cholecystectomy. Routine cholangiography may minimize the incidence of common bile duct injury. We review our experience with laparoscopic cholangiography and suggest methods to avoid common bile duct injury.