Cholecysto cholangiography versus cystic duct cholangiography in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective controlled randomized trial.

This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of cholecysto-cholangiography (CCC), an extremely rapid and easy way of imaging the biliary tree during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and a viable alternative to cystic duct cholangiography in the era of minimal invasive surgery. Sixty patients with symptomatic gallbladder stones were studied in this series, 30 were evaluated for cholecysto-cholangiography and other 30 for transcystic-cholangiography. The success rate in cholecysto-cholangiography approached 80% with excellent quality films obtained. Delineation of anatomy approached 85%; 75% for cholecysto-cholangiography and transcystic cholangiography respectively. Exposure time to radiation compares favourably with cystic duct cannulation with a mean time 2.4 min. Cholecysto-cholangiography added less than 11 mins to the procedure; mean 10.4 mins, while transcystic cholangiography added an extra 30 mins; mean 31 mins. There were no cholangiogram related complications or false positive findings with a smooth for two months follow up.