Operative cholangiography in uncomplicated biliary tract surgery. Review of 354 cholangiography studies in patients without indication of common duct pathology

Am J Surg. 1976 Mar;131(3):324-7. doi: 10.1016/0002-9610(76)90126-4.

Abstract

The literature of the past ten years is replete with articles on "routine* cholangiography, with particular reference to the overlooked or "unsuspected" stone. Many series do not differentiate between T-tube cholangiograms performed after common duct exploration and those performed on patients with and without the usual clinical or operative indications for common duct exploration. We present a pure operative cholangiographic study of 354 patients with apparent uncomplicated bilary tract disease; a significant incidence of unsuspected pathologic features are demonstrated. Can a convenient and innocuous procedure like routine operative cholangiography continue to be ignored, even in the most routine of cases?

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma, Bile Duct / diagnostic imaging
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bile Duct Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Cholecystectomy*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gallstones / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography