Selective utilization of pre-operative endoscopic ultrasound to exclude choledocholithiasis prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a retrospective study.

Background/aims: The objective of this study was to define the clinical, biochemical and ultrasonographic criteria correlating with a likelihood of a positive preoperative endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in patients presenting with acute gallstone-related pancreatobiliary disease.

Methodology: All patients who underwent EUS prior to elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were analyzed at the Gastroenterology Unit, Kaplan Medical Center, following acute admission with cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, cholangitis, acute pancreatitis and obstructive jaundice.

Results: One hundred and seventy four patients met the inclusion criteria.