[The value of intravenous cholangiography prior to elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy]

Thirty-eight patients admitted for elective cholecystectomy were preoperatively evaluated by means of liver function tests, ultrasonographic examination and intravenous cholangiography (IVC). Common bile duct stones (CBS) were found in four patients (11%, 95% confidence limits 3-25%). Due to a history of jaundice and/or elevated liver function tests, CBS were suspected in three of these patients, and unexpected in one. Totally, CBS were suspected in eight patients, either because of their history and/or elevated liver function tests. No side effects were observed during or after the IVC procedure. It can be concluded that IVC is a lenient procedure for radiological assessment of the common bile duct prior to elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It can be recommended as an alternative to diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in patients in whom CBS are suspected.