Intraoperative cholangiography during open cholecystectomy in 73 dogs with benign gallbladder disease

To evaluate intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) during open cholecystectomy in dogs with benign gallbladder disease, including cases with preoperative common bile duct (CBD) obstruction, and to describe the short-term outcomes.

Retrospective case series.

A total of 73 client-owned dogs.

Medical records (2014-2022) were reviewed. All dogs underwent open cholecystectomy, bile duct flushing (BDF) with saline, and IOC under subtraction fluoroscopy. Cholangiograms were assessed for complete CBD obstruction (no duodenal passage), partial obstruction (CBD filling defects indicating retained debris), and filling defects in hepatic ducts. Perioperative mortality (≤14 days) and post-discharge findings during 3 months of follow-up were recorded.

IOC was evaluable in 72 of 73 dogs; assessment was precluded by catheter perforation in one dog. Complete CBD obstruction was identified in 12.5% (9/72). Partial obstruction with retained debris occurred in 20.8% (15/72); debris migrated to transiently obstruct the distal CBD during contrast injection in four of 15. Among the 66 dogs in which IOC opacified the right and left hepatic ducts, seven (10.6%) had filling defects in the hepatic ducts. One dog developed suspected contrast-associated shock that resolved with treatment. Perioperative mortality was 6.8% (5/73) in the total cohort; 0% (0/29) in dogs without jaundice, and 11.4% (5/44) in dogs with jaundice. Among 61 dogs with follow-up, no deaths occurred within 3 months.

During open cholecystectomy, IOC frequently identified retained debris and other biliary abnormalities.

IOC may be a useful adjunct to BDF when CBD or hepatic duct obstruction or retained debris is suspected. Routine IOC may improve surgical outcomes, particularly in dogs with preoperative CBD obstruction.