[Value of intraoperative laparoscopic cholangiography]

Discussion about the necessity of intraoperative cholangiography restarted when laparoscopic cholecystectomy was established. The value of cholangiography was examined in a prospectively randomized study of one hundred patients. We could show that the routinely performed intraoperative cholangiography represents a careful, secure and sensitive method for the detection of common bile duct stones. As it is not very time consuming nor linked to high costs we believe it to be unrenouncible. It allows a detailed anatomic presentation and may be combined with ERCP for definitive treatment of bile duct stones.