Laparoscopic ultrasonography as an alternative to intraoperative cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. 2017

Alexandra Dili, and Claude Bertrand
Alexandra Dili, Claude Bertrand, Unit of Digestive, Endocrine and General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospital - Godinne, Université catholique de Louvain, CHU UCL Namur, 5530 Yvoir, Belgium.

OBJECTIVE To assess the role of laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS) as a substitute for intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) during cholecystectomy. METHODS We present a MEDLINE and PubMed literature search, having used the key-words "laparoscopic intraoperative ultrasound" and "laparoscopic cholecystectomy". All relevant English language publications from 2000 to 2016 were identified, with data extracted for the role of LUS in the anatomical delineation of the biliary tract, detection of common bile duct stones (CBDS), prevention or early detection of biliary duct injury (BDI), and incidental findings during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Data for the role of LUS vs IOC in complex situations (i.e., inflammatory disease/fibrosis) were specifically analyzed. RESULTS We report data from eighteen reports, 13 prospective non-randomized trials, 5 retrospective trials, and two meta-analyses assessing diagnostic accuracy, with one analysis also assessing costs, duration of the examination, and anatomical mapping. Overall, LUS was shown to provide highly sensitive mapping of the extra-pancreatic biliary anatomy in 92%-100% of patients, with more difficulty encountered in delineation of the intra-pancreatic segment of the biliary tract (73.8%-98%). Identification of vascular and biliary variations has been documented in two studies. Although inflammatory disease hampered accuracy, LUS was still advantageous vs IOC in patients with obscured anatomy. LUS can be performed before any dissection and repeated at will to guide the surgeon especially when hilar mapping is difficult due to fibrosis and inflammation. In two studies LUS prevented conversion in 91% of patients with difficult scenarios. Considering CBDS detection, LUS sensitivity and specificity were 76%-100% and 96.2%-100%, respectively. LUS allowed the diagnosis/treatment of incidental findings of adjacent organs. No valuable data for BDI prevention or detection could be retrieved, even if no BDI was documented in the reports analyzed. Literature analysis proved LUS as a safe, quick, non-irradiating, cost-effective technique, which is comparatively well known although largely under-utilized, probably due to the perception of a difficult learning curve. CONCLUSIONS We highlight the advantages and limitations of laparoscopic ultrasound during cholecystectomy, and underline its value in difficult scenarios when the anatomy is obscured.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D010535 Laparoscopy A procedure in which a laparoscope (LAPAROSCOPES) is inserted through a small incision near the navel to examine the abdominal and pelvic organs in the PERITONEAL CAVITY. If appropriate, biopsy or surgery can be performed during laparoscopy. Celioscopy,Laparoscopic Surgical Procedures,Peritoneoscopy,Surgical Procedures, Laparoscopic,Laparoscopic Assisted Surgery,Laparoscopic Surgery,Laparoscopic Surgical Procedure,Procedure, Laparoscopic Surgical,Procedures, Laparoscopic Surgical,Surgery, Laparoscopic,Surgical Procedure, Laparoscopic,Celioscopies,Laparoscopic Assisted Surgeries,Laparoscopic Surgeries,Laparoscopies,Peritoneoscopies,Surgeries, Laparoscopic,Surgeries, Laparoscopic Assisted,Surgery, Laparoscopic Assisted
D011446 Prospective Studies Observation of a population for a sufficient number of persons over a sufficient number of years to generate incidence or mortality rates subsequent to the selection of the study group. Prospective Study,Studies, Prospective,Study, Prospective
D002758 Cholangiography An imaging test of the BILIARY TRACT in which a contrast dye (RADIOPAQUE MEDIA) is injected into the BILE DUCT and x-ray pictures are taken. Cholangiographies
D002764 Cholecystitis Inflammation of the GALLBLADDER; generally caused by impairment of BILE flow, GALLSTONES in the BILIARY TRACT, infections, or other diseases. Empyema, Gallbladder,Gallbladder Inflammation,Empyema, Gall Bladder,Gall Bladder Empyema,Gallbladder Empyema,Inflammation, Gallbladder
D002986 Clinical Trials as Topic Works about pre-planned studies of the safety, efficacy, or optimum dosage schedule (if appropriate) of one or more diagnostic, therapeutic, or prophylactic drugs, devices, or techniques selected according to predetermined criteria of eligibility and observed for predefined evidence of favorable and unfavorable effects. This concept includes clinical trials conducted both in the U.S. and in other countries. Clinical Trial as Topic
D003135 Common Bile Duct The largest bile duct. It is formed by the junction of the CYSTIC DUCT and the COMMON HEPATIC DUCT. Choledochus,Bile Duct, Common,Common Bile Ducts,Duct, Common Bile
D003362 Cost-Benefit Analysis A method of comparing the cost of a program with its expected benefits in dollars (or other currency). The benefit-to-cost ratio is a measure of total return expected per unit of money spent. This analysis generally excludes consideration of factors that are not measured ultimately in economic terms. In contrast a cost effectiveness in general compares cost with qualitative outcomes. Cost and Benefit,Cost-Benefit Data,Benefits and Costs,Cost Benefit,Cost Benefit Analysis,Cost-Utility Analysis,Costs and Benefits,Economic Evaluation,Marginal Analysis,Analyses, Cost Benefit,Analysis, Cost Benefit,Analysis, Cost-Benefit,Analysis, Cost-Utility,Analysis, Marginal,Benefit and Cost,Cost Benefit Analyses,Cost Benefit Data,Cost Utility Analysis,Cost-Benefit Analyses,Cost-Utility Analyses,Data, Cost-Benefit,Economic Evaluations,Evaluation, Economic,Marginal Analyses
D005240 Feasibility Studies Studies to determine the advantages or disadvantages, practicability, or capability of accomplishing a projected plan, study, or project. Feasibility Study,Studies, Feasibility,Study, Feasibility
D005355 Fibrosis Any pathological condition where fibrous connective tissue invades any organ, usually as a consequence of inflammation or other injury. Cirrhosis,Fibroses
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man

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