Abstract

Background
/Aims: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) or operative cholangiography is the procedure to demonstrate and remove stones of the biliary tree in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC) due to cholelithiasis. However, ERCP or operative cholangiography is an invasive procedure. The next question then is when and for what indication should ERCP or operative cholangiography be performed. The aims of this study were to assess whether prediction of common bile duct(CBD) stones by the noninvasive method such as liver function test and/or clinical findings is possible, and to investigate which method is more adequate for removal of CBD stones found on ERCP or operative cholangiography. Methods: A total 207 patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis scheduled for LC were enrolled from September 1993 to August 1996. Patients who were already found to have either extrahepatic or intrahepatic biliary stones on sonogram were excluded. Patients were classified into risk group and non-risk group. Patients who belong to the risk group were those having CBD dilatation by ultrasonography, history of jaundice or cholangitis, gallstone pancreatitis, or elevated transaminases. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 17: 632-639, 1997) (continue)

• Keywords: Cholelithiasis , Choledocholithiasis , ERCP , Operative cholangiography