ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Perioperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and en copic sphincterotomy (EST) offer the ability to remove common bile duct (CBD) stones and it ean make laparoscopic cholecystectcqny possible instead of open cholecystectomy. Although ERCP accurately detects CBD stones, the associated financial costs and potential morbidity argue against its indiscriminate use. Thus, we undertook the current retrospective study to analyze our own experience in the identification of preoperative indicators of CBD stones in patients managed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Between October 1994 and October 1996, 503 laparoscopic cholecystectomy were performed at Samsung Medical Center. We analyzed the value of serum biochemical tests and findings of ultrasonography in patients ted by laparoscopic cholecystectomy. RESULTS: A total of 117 patients underwent perigperative ERCP; 113 patients underwent preoperative ERCP with 2/113 (1.8%) failing to cannulate the ampulla; 21 patients (18.0%) had choledocholithiasis; and all patients with CBD stones were cleared by EST without major complications. The indication of ERCP for prediction of CBD stones were categorized as 4 groups; abnormal liver function tests (LFT) and duct dilatation in ultrasonography 61.9% (13/22), only abnormal liver function tests 13.6% (6/44), only duct dilatation in ultrasonography 5,9% (1/17), and normal liver function tests with normal findings in ultrasonopaphy 2.9% (1/35) in this study. In patients with CBD stones, there was no significant difference to predict CBD stones in total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine aminotransferase. Gallstone pancreatitis patients who had hyperamylasemia and abnornal LFT that were resolved or resolving before ERCP revealed no CBD stones (0/10, 0%). CONCLUSIONS: ERCP before laparoscopic cholecystectomy is needed in selected patients who have abnormal liver function and/or CBD dilatation on ultrasonography. Gallstone pancreatitis that is resalving or resolved clinically may not require preoperative ERCP. ERCP with EST and laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and effective method for the management of symptomatic eholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis.