Radiology, Vol 181, 439-442, Copyright © 1991 by Radiological Society of North America
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: evaluation with sonography
EH Kang, WD Middleton, DM Balfe and NJ Soper
Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110.
To determine the normal postoperative appearance of gallstones in the
common duct at ultrasound (US) examination, the significance of fluid
collections after surgery, and the usefulness of routine postoperative
scanning, US of the right upper quadrant was performed in 106 consecutive
patients 24 hours after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The location, volume,
and appearance of fluid collections were recorded. The maximum diameter of
the common duct was measured in all patients and compared with preoperative
measurements in 58 patients. Small fluid collections were identified in the
gallbladder fossa in 56 patients (53.0%). Fluid collections did not
correlate with fever or white blood cell count. In 15 of 58 patients, the
diameter of the common duct had increased on the postoperative scan. This
did not correlate with alkaline phosphatase or bilirubin levels. One
hundred one patients (95.3%) were discharged the day after surgery. Routine
US performed the day after surgery did not alter management; the authors
conclude that it is unwarranted in their group of patients.
