Value of intravenous cholangiography prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy

We performed a retrospective study on 163 patients for evaluation of the be nefit of intravenous cholangiography prior to Laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Radiographic evaluation of the various areas of the biliary system was cla ssified regarding resolution of anatomic structures: well detailed (excelle nt), impaired image but reliable interpretation possible (good), insufficie nt contrast with limited assessment (poor), no reliable judgment possible ( insufficient). The common bile duct could be described as "good" in 96.3%, whereas the cystic duct could be described as "good" in only 54.6%, Concrem ents of the gallbladder were recognized in 72.4%, and common bile duct ston es were diagnosed in only two of three patients. A distal junction of the c ystic duct was found in nine cases, but there was no influence on the follo wing operative procedure. Only one of two patients with a short cystic duct was identified. We found no improvement after routine use of intravenous c holangiography concerning the evidence of common bile duct stones or the av oidance of Lesions of the common bile duct. Hence routine use of intravenou s cholangiography prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy is not justified.