The intraoperative cholangiography in laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis

In our prospective study we wanted to prove whether the safety of laparoscopic treatment of acute cholecystitis could be improved by intraoperative cholangiography. From July 1993 to June 1998 210 patients with acute cholecystitis underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In 23 cases (10.9 %) a conversion was necessary. 189 patients underwent a laparoscopic cholangiography. In 2 cases (1.1 %) an incision of the common bile duct was detected which had been mistaken for the cystic duct. So the cutting of the common bile duct could be prevented. In 12 patients (6,3 %) unknown common bile duct stones were found. The complication rate was 9,5 % without any mortality or major injury of the common bile duct.