The use of the Veress needle in operative cholangiography

This paper examines the percutaneous use of the Veress needle as a safe and convenient adjunct to peroperative cholangiography during laparoscopic cho lecystectomy. Peroperative cholangiograms were performed in 31 patients und ergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The cystic duct was cannulated with a 4 F ureteric catheter, threaded through a Veress needle introduced percuta neously. Peroperative cholangiography was performed using this method with no complications. The cystic duct was easily cannulated. Air bubbles were n ot observed in any film. The Veress needle is a useful tool for performing peroperative cholangiograms during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It provide s a simple, readily-available aid to cannulating the cystic duct.