INTRAOPERATIVE CHOLEDOCHOSCOPY VIA THE CYSTIC DUCT IN CHOLELITHIASIS SURGERY

Abstract

We experienced choledochoscopy via the cystic duct during operation for cholecys-tolithiasis. In 15 of 19 patients with gallbladder stones, fiberscope could be inserted into the cystic duct to allow inspection of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. In 3 of the fifteen patients, common bile duct stones, which were not detected by the preoperative examinations and intraoperative choledochography, could be found by the fiberscopic examination. Our study showed that choledochoscopy via the cystic duct, by which direct observation of the inside of bile ducts is possible, can be a useful additional diagnostic method during cholelithiasis surgery.