Related Experiment Videos
Operative ultrasonography in the biliary tract during pregnancy.
Surgery, Gynecology & Obstetrics
|February 1, 1985
Summary
Operative ultrasonography effectively identifies gallstones during pregnancy, reducing the need for radiation-based roentgenographic cholangiography. This imaging technique is safe and efficient for biliary tract operations in pregnant patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Surgical Procedures
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Operative roentgenographic cholangiography poses radiation risks to pregnant patients and fetuses.
- Biliary tract diseases require careful management during pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intraoperative ultrasonography as an alternative to operative roentgenographic cholangiography during pregnancy.
- To assess the utility of ultrasound in diagnosing biliary tract calculi in pregnant patients.
Main Methods:
- Real-time B-mode operative ultrasonography was performed during 450 biliary tract operations.
- Five of these operations were for biliary tract diseases in pregnant patients.
- Ultrasound findings were compared with roentgenographic cholangiography where applicable.
Main Results:
- Operative ultrasound accurately detected gallbladder stones in one patient and common bile duct stones in three patients.
- Ultrasound provided crucial anatomical information, including common bile duct dilation or stenosis.
- The use of operative cholangiography was reduced from seven potential instances to one, significantly decreasing radiation exposure.
Conclusions:
- Operative ultrasonography is a safe and effective alternative to operative roentgenographic cholangiography for biliary tract operations during pregnancy.
- Ultrasound significantly reduces the need for radiation-based imaging, minimizing fetal and maternal risks.
- Intraoperative ultrasound can reliably screen for gallbladder and common duct calculi in pregnant patients.