The aim of this review was to systemically analyse trials evaluating the efficacy of routine on-table cholangiography (R-OTC) versus no on-table cholangiography (N-OTC) in patients undergoing cholecystectomy.

Randomised trials evaluating R-OTC versus N-OTC in patients undergoing cholecystectomy were selected and analysed.

Four trials (1 randomised controlled trial on open cholecystectomy and 3 on laparoscopic cholecystectomy) encompassing 860 patients undergoing cholecystectomy with and without R-OTC were retrieved. There were 427 patients in the R-OTC group and 433 patients in the N-OTC group. There was no significant heterogeneity among trials. Therefore, in the fixed effects model, N-OTC did not increase the risk (p=0.53) of common bile duct (CBD) injury, and it was associated with shorter operative time (p<0.00001) and fewer peri-operative complications (p<0.04). R-OTC was superior in terms of peri-operative CBD stone detection (p<0.006) and it reduced readmission (p<0.03) for retained CBD stones.

N-OTC is associated with shorter operative time and fewer peri-operative complications, and it is comparable to R-OTC in terms of CBD injury risk during cholecystectomy. R-OTC is helpful for peri-operative CBD stone detection and there is therefore reduced readmission for retained CBD stones. The N-OTC approach may be adopted routinely for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy providing there are no clinical, biochemical or radiological features suggestive of CBD stones. However, a major multicentre randomised controlled trial is required to validate this conclusion.

There is no uniform consensus on the utility of routine intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). In this paper, we present a 10-year retrospective audit of our cases of LC without IOC, performed by a search of readmission cases through our electronic database. Data regarding all patients subjected to LC at our unit in the period January 1996-December 2006 were obtained through our hospital database system. Subsequently, a query was made to ascertain if there were any readmissions to any of our city hospitals, up to December 2006. A total of 1321 patients underwent LC at our unit in the period January 1, 1996-December 31, 2006. The median operating time for LC without IOC was 58 minutes (range, 15-370). The median hospital stay was 2 days (range, 1-30). Postoperative outcome was uneventful in 1250 patients (94.7%). There was no mortality. Grade I and II complications occurred in the remaining 71 patients. Patients were stratified by risk of common bile duct stones (BDSs) according to clinical, ultrasonographic, and serum chemistry data. Patients with suspected BDS underwent preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and BDS clearance (142 patients). No patient in our series of LC was readmitted to any of the city hospitals for biliary desease up to 10 years after the operation. Our retrospective audit confirms the safety of LC without routine IOC and the rarity of readmissions for retained BDS and supports the policy of selective IOC.

This study investigated whether failure to identify common bile duct stones at laparoscopic cholecystectomy results in significant postoperative complications related to retained stones.

We performed a retrospective analysis of the case notes of 377 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy without routine operative cholangiography under a single surgeon in a district general hospital between 1995 and 1999. Highly selective preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was employed to identify and manage suspected bile duct stones in pancreatitis, jaundice, persistently elevated liver function tests, or a dilated common bile duct.

Eighteen (4.8%) of 377 patients presented postoperatively with symptoms/signs suggesting biliary pathology. Two (0.5%) were confirmed to have retained duct stones/debris (ultrasound/ERCP); both recovered with conservative treatment. Only 1 patient of 274 (0.4%) without preoperative ERCP subsequently presented with a symptomatic retained stone, the other having been stented preoperatively.

Highly selective preoperative ERCP without routine operative cholangiography is not associated with a significant increase in morbidity/mortality related to retained stones following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

The advantages of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) over open surgery make it the predominant method of treating choledocholithiasis. Today, technologic advances such as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and laparoscopic surgery are challenging ERCP's primacy in the management of common bile duct (CBD) stones. This article reviews the current status of endoscopic treatment of biliary stones and examines this in relation to laparoscopic management. The techniques and safety of endoscopic sphincterotomy and balloon sphincteroplasty are reviewed. Balloon sphincteroplasty should be limited to study protocols because of safety questions and inherent limitations. After sphincterotomy, 85% to 90% of CBD stones can be removed with a Dormia basket or balloon catheter. These techniques are described as having both advantages and disadvantages. Methods for managing "difficult stones" include mechanical lithotripsy, intraductal shock wave lithotripsy, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, chemical dissolution, and biliary stenting. These approaches are presented along with data supporting their use in specific situations. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has emerged as the preferred alternative to open cholecystectomy. Parallel advances in the endoscopic and laparoscopic management of CBD stones have made the issue regarding the optimal treatment strategy complex. Three approaches to the management of choledocholithiasis in the laparoscopic era are presented as follows: strict therapeutic splitting, flexible therapeutic splitting, and strict laparoscopic management. The optimal approach needs to be defined in prospective comparative trials. For now, preoperative endoscopic stone extraction should still be recommended as the approach of choice in patients suspected to have CBD stones based on clinical, biochemical, and imaging parameters. Primary laparoscopic evaluation and management is reasonable in patients who have a low-to-moderate probability of having CBD stones.

This study assessed the effectiveness of laparoscopic ultrasound in detecting main biliary duct stones.

From November 1994 to August 1998, 600 patients treated by laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included in a prospective study, to compare intraoperative cholangiography and laparoscopic ultrasound. The biliary tree was successively explored by these two methods in the routine detection of common bile duct stones.

The feasibility of laparoscopic ultrasound was 100%. Cholangiography was performed only in 498 cases (83%). The time taken for laparoscopic ultrasound examination was significantly shorter (10.2 vs 17.9 min, P=0.0001). In this study, common bile duct stones were found in 54 cases (9%). For their detection, results were comparable to laparoscopic ultrasound and intraoperative cholangiography. For laparoscopic ultrasound, sensitivity was 80% and specificity 99%; and for cholangiography 75 and 98% respectively. Both examinations combined had a 100% sensitivity and specificity. Laparoscopic ultrasound failed to recognize the intrapancreatic part of the common bile duct in 78 cases (13%) and did not show anatomical anomalies detected by cholangiography. It did however detect other unsuspected intra-abdominal pathologies.

Laparoscopic ultrasound is safe, repeatable, and non-invasive, but a considerable learning curve is necessary to optimize its efficacy. Comparison of relative cost must be undertaken.

Controversy exists between routine and selective on-table cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been suggested as first-line investigation in patients with suspected duct stones. We report a series of 154 on-table cholangiograms (OTC) and consider the requirements for ERCP according to historical and biochemical markers. A retrospective review of 154 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy with OTC was performed. Historical and biochemical markers of duct stones were examined with respect to the necessity of ERCP. OTC was performed, with a 100% success rate, and took approximately 10 min. Eight (5.2%) of the patients had duct stones. Only one did not have preoperative indicators of duct stones. Sixty-six patients had preoperative markers suggesting the need for ERCP. According to the OTC findings, 59 (89.4%) of these patients would have undergone unnecessary ERCP. Routine laparoscopic OTC is advocated because it maintains expertise in the technique and avoids unnecessary ERCP with its attendant costs and complications.

Thirty-seven patients underwent cholecystectomy without intraoperative cholangiography. Patients were selected using clinical and investigatory parameters. One patient had a negative common bile duct exploration. During the follow-up period of 2 1/2-3 1/2 years, all patients remained symptomatically and sonologically free of stones.

From November 1994 to March 1996, 150 patients treated by laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included in a prospective study, to compare intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) and laparoscopic ultrasonography (LU). The biliary tree was successively explored by these two methods in the routine detection of common bile duct stones. The feasibility of LU was 100%. Cholangiography was performed only in 125 cases (83%). The time taken for LU was significantly shorter (11.6 vs. 17.6 minutes, p = 0.0001). In this study, common bile duct stones were found in 14 cases (9%). For their detection, results were comparable to LU and IOC. For LU, sensitivity was 80% and specificity 99%; and for IOC, 78 and 97%, respectively. Both examinations combined had a 100% sensitivity and specificity. Laparoscopic ultrasonography failed to recognize the intrapancreatic part of the common bile duct in 25 cases (17%) and did not show anatomic abnormalities detected by IOC. It did, however, detect other unsuspected intraabdominal abnormalities. Although LU is safe, repeatable, and noninvasive, a considerable learning curve is necessary to optimize its efficacy. Comparison of relative cost must be undertaken.

This study is to evaluate the need for preoperative cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy when endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is available. Over a period of four years, 1105 consecutive patients had laparoscopic cholecystectomy. All patients, in addition to their clinical assessment, had routine liver function tests (LFTs) and ultrasound (US) examination of the biliary tract. Preoperative ERCP was performed (diagnostic and/or therapeutic) in 107 (9.6%) of the patients. The indications for ERCP were one or more of the following: 1) abnormal liver function test, 74 patients; 2) jaundice, 37 patients; 3) common bile duct (CBD) stone seen in US, 36 patients, and/or CBD dilatation, 46 patients; and 4) pancreatitis, 20 patients. In 41 out of 107 (38%) patients, CBD stones were present and cleared endoscopically. Postoperative ERCP was necessary in eight patients: to remove retained stones in the CBD (two patients), to stop bile leak (two patients), and to investigate the persistent abnormal LFTs in the remaining patients. The number of patients who had evidence of retained CBD stone following laparoscopic cholecystectomy was only two. In both patients, endoscopic removal was successful. Therefore, it is clear that operative cholangiography in laparoscopic cholecystectomy is not essential if there is a reasonable facility for ERCP.

The results of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a group of 52 patients older than 69 years (group 1) were compared with the results of the same operation in a group of 338 younger patients (group 2). In group 1, 23 per cent of patients had acute cholecystitis and 13 per cent were operated on after an episode of acute pancreatitis. In group 2, 8 per cent of patients had acute cholecystitis and 4 per cent were operated on after acute pancreatitis. Pulmonary function was assessed prospectively before operation, 24 h after surgery and on the seventh day after operation, in 20 patients in group 1 and 30 in group 2. In group 1 there was one death (2 per cent); the morbidity rate was 14 per cent and conversion to laparotomy was required in 15 per cent. In group 2 there were no deaths, the morbidity rate was 11 per cent and the conversion rate 4 per cent. No significant differences were found between the two groups in mortality and morbidity rates. Preoperative values of forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) were significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2 (P < 0.05); the values of FVC, FEV1 and forced expiratory flow at 50 per cent 24 h after surgery were less depressed in group 1 (P < 0.01) and also recovered more quickly in these patients 7 days after operation. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy gives excellent results in geriatric patients and can be recommended as the treatment of choice for symptomatic cholelithiasis in the elderly.

The management of possible common bile duct (CBD) stones in patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains controversial.

Prospective evaluation of 609 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy was carried out in relation to the use of selective preoperative ERCP for detection of common duct stones. Preoperative ERCP was performed if there is or has been (1) cholangitis, biliary pancreatitis, or jaundice; (2) abnormal serum liver tests or (3) ultrasonogram showing a dilated CBD or ductal stones.

A total of 139 patients underwent preoperative ERCP, and cannulation of CBD was successful in 133 patients (96%). CBD stones were found in 60 patients (45%) and extracted after sphincterotomy. High prevalence of CBD stones was noted in patients with acute cholangitis and CBD stones on ultrasonogram. There were six endoscopic sphincterotomy-related complications (complication rate, 4.5%): bleeding (2), pancreatitis (3), retroduodenal perforation (1). No patient required surgery as the result of a complication. The prediction of the occurrence of ductal stones was further analyzed using stepwise logistic regression. Acute cholangitis and CBD stones on ultrasonogram were shown to be independent significant risk factors with odds ratios of 8.9 and 13.5, respectively.

With selective preoperative ERCP, suspected CBD stones can be identified and removed prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

The results of a policy of selective cholangiography were assessed in 400 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed in 81 patients (20 per cent) of whom 31 (38 per cent) showed definite or possible evidence of stones in the bile duct. Seventeen of the 400 patients underwent intraoperative cholangiography and the majority of these (12) were normal. After a minimum follow-up of 1 year, 17 patients (4 per cent) have had ERCP for suspected residual duct stones. Eight (2 per cent) of these revealed stones and all were successfully treated with sphincterotomy and duct clearance. Preoperative and postoperative ERCP was not associated with mortality or major morbidity. No major duct injury occurred and none was diagnosed within 2 years of operation. Routine intraoperative cholangiography is not a necessary part of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the presence of an efficient and safe ERCP service.

A prospective comparative study to evaluate operative cholangiography and laparoscopic ultrasonography in the detection of common bile duct (CBD) stones was undertaken in 54 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic ultrasonography with a 7.5-MHz linear-array probe was performed before gallbladder mobilization. The incidence of choledocholithiasis at operation was 13 percent (seven patients). Cholangiograms were not obtained in six patients, one of whom had common duct stones identified by laparoscopic ultrasonography. Operative cholangiography detected five of the remaining six CBD stones with two false-positive examinations. Laparoscopic ultrasonography detected five of the seven stones with two false-positive examinations. The finding of a CBD diameter of 7 mm or greater and gallbladder stones of up to 3 mm in diameter by laparoscopic ultrasonography would have identified all patients with common duct stones and implies that none of these would have undergone false duct exploration. Laparoscopic ultrasonography is useful in the detection of choledocholithiasis.

The authors determined the most useful predictors of common bile duct (CBD) stones as diagnosed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

Prospective and retrospective collection of historical, biochemical and ultrasonographic data was used. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was used to determine optimal biochemical cut-off values. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression with generation of the best model identifying independent predictors of CBD stones also was employed. Prospective validation of the model was performed on an independent group of patients.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies were performed before LC in 106 patients, and after LC in 33. Only four of ten clinical variables evaluated independently predicted the presence of CBD stones. The optimal model predicted a 94% probability of CBD stones in a patient older than 55 years of age who presented with an elevated bilirubin (over 30 mumol/L) and positive ultrasound findings (a dilated CBD, and a CBD stone seen on ultrasound). This model was validated prospectively in a subsequent series of 49 patients in which the probability of CBD stone was only 8% when all four predictors were absent.

The identified independent clinical predictors of a CBD stone helps select a population of symptomatic gallstone bearers who benefit most from cholangiographic assessment.

This study evaluated the selective use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the context of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) while minimizing the use of operative cholangiography.

There has been a long-standing debate between routine and selective operative cholangiography that has resurfaced with LC.

Prospective data were collected on the first 1300 patients undergoing LC at McGill University. Preoperative indications for ERCP were recorded, radiologic findings were standardized, and technical points for a safe LC were emphasized.

A total of 106 patients underwent 127 preoperative ERCPs. Fifty patients were found to have choledocholithiasis (3.8%), and clearance of the common bile duct (CBD) with endoscopic sphincterotomy was achieved in 45 patients. The other five patients underwent open cholecystectomy with common duct exploration. Intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) was attempted in only 54 patients (4.2%), 6 of whom demonstrated choledocholithiasis. Forty-nine postoperative ERCPs were performed in 33 patients and stones were detected in 17 (1.3%), with a median follow-up time of 22 months. Endoscopic duct clearance was successful in all of these. The incidence of CBD injury was 0.38%, and a policy of routine operative cholangiography might only have led to earlier recognition of duct injury in one case. The rate of complication for all ERCPs was 9% and the associated median duration of the hospital stay was 4 days. The median duration of the hospital stay after open CBD exploration was 13 days.

LC can be performed safely without routine IOC. The selective use of preoperative and postoperative ERCP will clear the CBD of stones in 92.5% of patients.

After laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the patient can expect a hospital stay of < 2 days and a return to work within 2 weeks. The associated operative mortality rate is low at < 0.2 per cent. The increased incidence of bile duct injury with the laparoscopic technique compared with open cholecystectomy is a cause for concern but such injuries should decrease with proper training in laparoscopic surgery. The use of operative cholangiography (whether routine, selective or never) is controversial but there is no evidence that routine cholangiography will prevent major bile duct injury.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is now the method of choice for removing the diseased gallbladder. Asymptomatic common bile duct stones occur in approximately 6 per cent of patients. Controversy exists, however, as to whether selective or routine peroperative cholangiography should be performed during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Over a 21-month period 300 consecutive laparoscopic cholecystectomies without routine cholangiography were attempted. There were 28 conversions. In all, 229 patients did not undergo cholangiography and in this group there were two common duct injuries. These were both identified and dealt with by open operation. Five patients underwent peroperative cholangiography, none of whom was found to have common duct pathology. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed in 38 patients. Of 27 who had this investigation performed before operation, common duct stones were diagnosed in seven (26 per cent). Two common duct stones were discovered in 11 patients who underwent the investigation after operation. Thus only two of 240 patients (0.8 per cent) who did not undergo preoperative or peroperative cholangiography subsequently had symptomatic duct stones. Peroperative cholangiography may be indicated in selected patients who have had symptoms of common bile duct stones or in those in whom the biliary anatomy is unclear. However, routine preoperative or peroperative cholangiography is unnecessary during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.