Intraoperative cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background: The routine use of intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains controversial. Methods: A retrospective review of 950 consecutive laparoscopic cholecystec tomies performed during an 8-year period was performed. For the first 2 yea rs, IOC was performed selectively, and thereafter routinely. Results: Attempted in 896 patients, IOC was successful in 734 (82%). Bile d uct stones were found in 77 patients (10%), dilated ducts without stones in 47 patients (6%), and anatomic variations in 4 patients (0.5%). There were four (0.4%) minor intraoperative complications related to the IOC, with no consequences for the patients. There were three (0.3%) minor injuries of t he bile duct, which were identified with IOC and repaired at the time of ch olecystectomy without any consequences for the patients. In two of these pa tients, the structure recognized and catheterized as the cystic duct was re vealed by IOC to be the bile duct. Thus IOC prevented extension to a major common bile duct (CBD) injury. Conclusions: Findings show that IOC is a safe technique. Its routine use du ring laparoscopic cholecystectomy may not prevent bile duct injuries, but i t minimizes the extent of the injury so that it can be repaired easily with out any consequences for the patient. The prevention of a major bile duct i njury makes IOC cost effective.