EP.TH.49The Use of MRCP to Investigate Bile Duct Stones

Abstract

Abstract Aim Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons (AUGIS) latest guideline advocates stratification of patients with gallstone disease to determine their risks of common bile duct (CBD) stone and to perform Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) for those at intermediate risk. The study assessed the appropriateness of our local hospital's MRCP requests in accordance to the AUGIS standard. Method Inpatient MRCP requests for suspected ductal gallstones between June and December 2019 were identified retrospectively. Admission history, ultrasound, MRCP findings and liver function tests were collected from hospital electronic records. Patients with previous cholecystectomy were excluded. Patients were categorized into ‘low risk’, ‘intermediate risk’ and ‘high risk’. Results 67 patients were included in the study and 24 patients were discovered to have CBD stones on MRCP. The majority of patients (54%) were considered ‘intermediate risk’, whilst the ‘low risk’ group consisted of 13% of the MRCP requests and ‘high risk’ group comprised of 33%. Amongst those in the ‘low risk’ group, only 1 of 9 patients (11%) had cbd stone identified on MRCP. 19% patients in the intermediate group were found to have CBD stone, whilst 73% patients in the high risk group were identified to have CBD stone. On average, patients underwent MRCP within a day of request. Conclusion A high proportion of patients at high risk for CBD stone were referred for MRCP, contrary to AUGIS guideline. Inpatient MRCP referrals should be considered carefully in this category as it potentially increases length of stay without change in clinical management.