Cholecystocholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of performing cholecystocholangiography through a central venous pressure catheter during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic cholecystocholangiography was attempted during laparoscopic cholecystectomy for chronic calculous cholecystitis in 40 patients, and considered successful if the biliary anatomy was clearly defined. The procedure was evaluated as successful in 36 patients (90%). It added an average 13.5 min to the operating time. A unsuspected common bile duct stone was identified by cholecystocholangiography in one patient and there were no cholangiogram-related complications. We concluded that laparoscopic cholecystocholangiography is a safe, simple, and quick procedure that can be used as an alternative to cystic duct cholangiography to identify the biliary anatomy and detect any common bile duct calculi prior to laparoscopic dissection.