Radiological evaluation of patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

The objective of this study is to describe the normal, abdominal radiological findings after laparoscopic cholecystectomy that could be confused with a pathological process. Thirty-one patients, who had laparoscopic cholecystectomy were prospectively studied. They underwent supine and erect abdominal X-rays, on the first and second postoperative days. In 19 patients (61 %) no residual free intraperitoneal gas was seen. In 12 patients (39%) small amounts of free gas were noticed 24 hours postoperatively, and in six (19%), some free intraperitoneal gas was seen after 48 hours. Distention of the colon was noticed in 17 (55%), and was mainly in the hepatic flexure area in nine of these patients (29%). Eight patients complained of shoulder pain. This study shows that pneumoperitoneum tends to disappear within 48 hours of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. When present, there is usually no cause for alarm as long as patients show no evidence of clinical disturbance.