Routine magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and intra-operative cholangiogram in the evaluation of common bile duct stones

Author： Dalton SJ Balupuri S Guest J

Publisher： The Royal College of Surgeons of England

ISSN： 1478-7083

Source： Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England, Vol.87, Iss.6, 2005-11, pp. : 469-470

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Abstract

Introduction: Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a safe and sensitive investigation for the imaging of common bile duct pathology. When used to exclude common bile duct (CBD) stones, MRCP may obviate the need for intra-operative cholangiogram (IOC). In this prospective study, we looked at the single centre results of patients who underwent cholecystectomy with IOC following pre-operative MRCP.Patients and Methods: Over a period of 18 months, 69 patients (24 male and 45 female; mean age 59 years [range, 19–86 years]) were investigated by MRCP prior to cholecystectomy. All patients underwent IOC. Inclusion criteria for MRCP consisted of derangement of liver function tests and/or history of jaundice in cases of ultrasound-proven cholelithiasis.Results: Sixteen patients had suspected stones or filling defects on MRCP; all but two of these were confirmed to be stones on IOC. In only one patient was a stone visualised on IOC and not seen on MRCP.Conclusion: MRCP may be the only pre-operative investigation needed for exclusion of CBD stones, obviating the necessity for IOC.