IngentaConnect Routine magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and intra-ope...

Authors: Dalton, S.J.¹; Balupuri, S.²; Guest, J.²

Source: Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England, Volume 87, Number 6, November 2005 , pp. 469-470(2)

Publisher: The Royal College of Surgeons of England

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.

Keywords: CHOLELITHIASIS; MRCP; CHOLANGIOGRAM

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1308/003588405X51137

Affiliations: 1: Churchill Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK 2: Department of Surgery, Wansbeck General Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK

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