[Is intraoperative cholangiography always indicated during videolaparoscopic cholecystectomy?]

Opinion is divided whether intra-operative cholangiography should be performed routinely or on a selective basis during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The aims of the present study were to assess the safety, utility and indications of intraoperative cholangiography performed during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. 11 operative cholangiograms were attempted in 63 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (17.4%). Duration of post-operative hospitalization and interval to return to full activity were identical in the two groups. Cholangiography increased the duration of operation (mean 20.1 min: p < 0.01) and the total charges for the operation by almost L. 200,000. Cholangiograms were performed successfully in 100% of the patients and changed operative management in 2 patients. There was not false negative or positive study. No complications or deaths occurred that were due to cholangiography. In follow-up ranging from 1-9 months, there has been no clinical evidence of bile duct injury or retained common bile duct stones. The inescapable conclusion is that an absolute indication for performing cholangiography is unclear anatomy of biliary system. Whereas to document the presence of common bile duct stones, intra-operative cholangiography, neither routine nor selective, is needed. Patients who present with clinical or biochemical signs of choledocholithiasis, a history of cholangitis, acute biliary pancreatitis, or an abnormal CBD on sonogram should have preoperative ERCP and ES before contemplated laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Further advances and confidence with laparoscopic CBD exploration may further change the approach to these patients in the future. In this case selective intra-operative cholangiography is mandatory. However, additional prospective analysis of this patient subgroup is needed.