Assessment of Laparoscopic Intraoperative Cholangiogram in Controlling Postoperative Outcomes and Its Implication on the Quality of Life

Abstract

Background: Intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) is one of the surgical advances that aim to reduce the risk of bile duct injuries. Aim: To assess the role of IOC in controlling the postoperative outcomes and its implication on patient quality of life. Patients and Methods: This prospective randomized study conducted at the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University from May 2017 to February 2019 on 56 patients with symptomatic gall stones who met our inclusion criteria. The exclusion criteria were having former upper abdominal surgery, chronic liver disease, impaired kidney function, bleeding tendency, and Common bile duct (CBD) stones indicated for preoperative ERCP. Our protocol was approved by the institutional review board at Suez Canal University. Results: Our sample comprised of 56 patients. The mean age was 42 ± 10 years, and most patients were females (68%). Most patients had no interventions like CBD explorations (82%). The success rate was 96%. Two patients had failed CBD exploration and referred to postoperative Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Of notice, there were no reported cases of bile duct injury, and the mortality rate was 0%. Conclusion: IOC during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is associated with a low morbidity rate and no mortalities. This confirms the effectiveness of IOC in reducing the postoperative complications of LC which improve patent’s quality of life.