Is preoperative evaluation of the biliary tree necessary in uncomplicated gallstone disease? Results of a randomized trial.

AIM: To analyse if preoperative radiology is of value in patients with uncomplicated gallstone disease. MATERIAL: 312 patients intended for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly allocated to undergo preoperative radiology (intravenous cholangiography or magnetic resonance cholangiography) or to a control group. Intraoperative cholangiography was not used routinely in either group. RESULTS: There was no bile duct injury and no difference in complication frequency between the two groups. The incidence of common bile duct stones was 3.8% within the first postoperative year with no statistical difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Routine preoperative evaluation of the bile tree seems unnecessary before laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with uncomplicated gallstone disease.