The Role of Laparoscopic Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of Suspected Choledocholithiasis. A Single-Center Experience

Background and objectives: Opinions differ regarding the optimal diagnostic methods for patients with suspected choledocholithiasis. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of laparoscopic ultrasonography (LUS) and compare it to pre-operative magnetic resonance cholangio-pancreatography (MRCP); Materials and Methods: In all patients with suspected choledocholithiasis LUS was performed during laparoscopic cholecystectomy to evaluate biliary stones. According to availability, part of the patients had pre-operative MRCP. Data for diagnostic accuracy and main outcomes were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively; Results: Choledocholithiasis was detected in 178 of 297 patients by LUS (59.93%) and in 39 of 87 patients by MRCP (44.8%), p = 0.041. LUS yielded a sensitivity of 99.4%, a specificity of 94.3%, a positive predictive value of 96.1% and a negative predictive value of 99.1%. However, pre-operative MRCP had a sensitivity of 61.7%, a specificity of 92.3%, a positive predictive value of 94.9% and a negative predictive value of 51.1%. Moreover, of the 47 patients with no choledocholithiasis by MRCP, in 23 cases it was later detected by LUS (a false negative MRCP finding—38.3%), p < 0.001. Median duration of hospitalization was significantly shorter in patients evaluated without pre-operative MRCP—8 days (interquartile range – IQR 11–6) vs. 11 days (IQR 14–9), p = 0.001; Conclusions: LUS may reduce the role of pre-operative MRCP and can become a rational alternative to MRCP as a primary imaging technique for the detection of choledocholithiasis.

DIAGNOSTIC FEATURES OF COMPLICATED CHOLELITHIASIS IN PREGNANT WOMEN

The aimis to describe modern approaches used in the diagnostics of cholelithiasis in pregnant women.Results.Cholelithiasis diagnostics in pregnant women is a rather difficult task, frequently taking a long time and significantly worsening the prognosis for both the mother and the fetus. Abdominal ultrasound is the “gold standard” for the diagnosis of cholelithiasis in pregnant women, allowing the diagnosis to be clarified and the treatment tactics to be adjusted. The possibilities of such modern methods as endoscopic ultrasound diagnostics, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and laparoscopic ultrasonography used in difficult diagnostic cases are presented.Conclusion.The use of a maximal range of diagnostic studies in pregnant women makes it possible to establish the diagnosis as soon as possible and to reduce the frequency of surgical and related perinatal complications. As a result, the prolongation of pregnancy and a decrease in maternal and intrauterine mortality can be achieved.Conflict of interest: the authors declare no conflict of interest.