Fluorescence cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a feasibility study on early biliary tract delineation

Background

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is one of the most commonly performed laparoscopic procedures. Bile duct injury is a rare but serious complication during this procedure, mostly caused by misidentification of the extrahepatic bile duct anatomy. Intraoperative cholangiography may be helpful to reduce the risk of bile duct injury; however, this is not a common procedure worldwide. Near-infrared fluorescence cholangiography (NIRFC) using indocyanine green (ICG) is a promising alternative for the identification of the biliary tree. This prospective observational study was designed to assess the feasibility and image quality of intermittent NIRFC during LC, using a newly developed laparoscopic fluorescence system.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing elective LC were included and received a single intravenous injection of ICG directly after induction of anesthesia. During dissection of the base of the gallbladder and the cystic duct, the extrahepatic bile ducts were visualized by using a dedicated laparoscope, which offers both conventional state-of-the-art imaging and fluorescence imaging. Intraoperative recognition of the biliary structures was registered at set time points, as well as the establishment of the critical view of safety.

Results

Fifteen patients were included between December 2011 and May 2012. ICG was visible in the liver and bile ducts within 20 min after intravenous administration and remained for approximately 2 h, using the fluorescence mode of the laparoscope. The common bile duct and cystic duct could be clearly identified at an early stage of the operation and, more important, significantly earlier than with the conventional camera mode. No per- or postoperative complications occurred as a consequence of ICG use.

Conclusions

Intermittent fluorescence imaging using a newly developed laparoscope and preoperative administration of ICG seems a useful aid in accelerating visualization of the extrahepatic bile ducts during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.     

Real-time near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent cholangiography in single-site robotic cholecystectomy (SSRC): a single-institutional prospective study

Background

Bile duct injury is a rare but serious complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and the primary cause is misinterpretation of biliary anatomy. This may occur more frequently with a single-incision approach due to difficulties in exposing and visualizing the triangle of Calot. Intraoperative cholangiography was proposed to overcome this problem, but due to multiple issues, it is not used routinely. Indocyanine green (ICG) near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent cholangiography is non invasive and provides real-time biliary images during surgery, which may improve the safety of single-incision cholecystectomy. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this technique during single-site robotic cholecystectomy (SSRC).

Methods

Patients presenting with symptomatic biliary gallstones without suspicion of common bile duct stones underwent SSRC with ICG-NIR fluorescent cholangiography using the da Vinci Fluorescence Imaging Vision System. During patient preparation, 2.5 mg of ICG was injected intravenously. During surgery, the biliary anatomy was imaged in real time, which guided dissection of Calot’s triangle. Perioperative outcomes included biliary tree visualizations, operative time, conversion and complications rates, and length of hospital stay.

Results

There were 45 cases between July 2011 and January 2012. All procedures were completed successfully; there were no conversions and at least one structure was visualized in each patient. The rates of visualization were 93 % for the cystic duct, 88 % for the common hepatic duct, and 91 % for the common bile duct prior to Calot’s dissection; after Calot’s dissection, the rates were 97 % for all three ducts. Mean hospital stay was 1.1 days and there were no bile duct injuries or any other major complications.

Conclusion

Real-time high-resolution fluorescent imaging to identify the biliary tree anatomy during SSRC using the da Vinci Fluorescence Imaging Vision System was safe and effective.     

Optimization of near-infrared fluorescence cholangiography for open and laparoscopic surgery

Background

During laparoscopic cholecystectomy, common bile duct (CBD) injury is a rare but severe complication. To reduce the risk of injury, near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent cholangiography using indocyanine green (ICG) has recently been introduced as a novel method of visualizing the biliary system during surgery. To date, several studies have shown feasibility of this technique; however, liver background fluorescence remains a major problem during fluorescent cholangiography. The aim of the current study was to optimize ICG dose and timing for NIR cholangiography using a quantitative intraoperative camera system during open hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery. Subsequently, these results were validated during laparoscopic cholecystectomy using a laparoscopic fluorescence imaging system.

Methods

Twenty-seven patients who underwent NIR imaging using the Mini-FLARE image-guided surgery system during open HPB surgery were analyzed to assess optimal dosage and timing of ICG administration. ICG was intravenously injected preoperatively at doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg, and imaged at either 30 min (early) or 24 h (delayed) post-injection. Next, the optimal doses found for early and delayed imaging were applied to two groups of seven patients (n = 14) undergoing laparoscopic NIR fluorescent cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Results

Median liver-to-background contrast was 23.5 (range 22.1–35.0), 16.8 (range 11.3–25.1), 1.3 (range 0.7–7.8), and 2.5 (range 1.3–3.6) for 5 mg/30 min, 10 mg/30 min, 10 mg/24 h, and 20 mg/24 h, respectively. Fluorescence intensity of the liver was significantly lower in the 10 mg delayed-imaging dose group compared with the early imaging 5 and 10 mg dose groups (p = 0.001), which resulted in a significant increase in CBD-to-liver contrast ratio compared with the early administration groups (p < 0.002). These findings were qualitatively confirmed during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Conclusion

This study shows that a prolonged interval between ICG administration and surgery permits optimal NIR cholangiography with minimal liver background fluorescence.     

Application of fluorescent cholangiography to single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background

Although the use of single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) is spreading rapidly, this technique has disadvantages. It does not allow for sufficient surgical views to be obtained or for intraoperative radiographic cholangiography to be performed. Fluorescent cholangiography using a preoperative intravenous injection of indocyanine green (ICG) may be useful for identifying the biliary tract during both SILC and conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods

For seven patients undergoing SILC, 1?ml of ICG (2.5?mg) was administered by intravenous injection before the surgery. The prototype fluorescent imaging system consisted of a xenon light source and a 30° laparoscope (diameter, 10?mm) equipped with a charge-coupled device camera capable of filtering out light with wavelengths shorter than 810?nm. The laparoscope was introduced through an umbilical trocar. Fluorescent cholangiography then was performed by changing the color images to fluorescent images using a foot switch during dissection of the triangle of Calot.

Results

Fluorescent cholangiography identified the confluence between the cystic duct and the common hepatic duct in all seven patients before and throughout the dissection of the triangle of Calot. The interval from the injection of ICG to the first obtained fluorescent cholangiography before dissection of the triangle of Calot ranged from 35 to 75?min.

Conclusions

Fluorescent cholangiography enabled real-time identification of the extrahepatic bile ducts during SILC without necessitating catheterization of the bile duct. Such properties of fluorescent cholangiography are expected to be helpful for ensuring the safety of SILC and expanding the indications for the procedure.     

Routine Intraoperative Cholangiography During Single-Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: a Review of 196 Consecutive Patients

Background

Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) has been increasingly performed as a potentially less invasive alternative to standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, recent evidences suggest a higher incidence of complications, notably bile duct injuries, in SILC. We reviewed our experiences with routine intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) during SILC to investigate its feasibility and usefulness.

Methods

Among 228 patients who underwent SILC at our institution from September 2009 to July 2012, a total of 196 patients in which an IOC was attempted were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

IOC was successful in 178 of 196 patients, yielding a success rate of 90.8 %. There were no IOC-related complications. Common bile duct (CBD) stones were detected by IOC in 16 patients (8.2 %), all of which were treated by subsequent single-incision laparoscopic CBD exploration or postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with stone extraction. In addition, IOC revealed filling defects in the cystic duct (four patients) and poor passage of contrast medium into the duodenum (one patient). In one patient with severe acute cholecystitis, cholangiography via an endoscopic nasobiliary drainage tube revealed misinterpretation of CBD as cystic duct.

Conclusions

We, thus, conclude that routine IOC during SILC is feasible and useful to detect biliary stones and to gain an accurate picture of biliary anatomy.     

Accuracy of Near Infrared-Guided Surgery in Morbidly Obese Subjects Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background

Fluorescence cholangiography represents an incisionless technique that can be applied during laparoscopic cholecystectomy to visualize bile ducts. Our objective was to evaluate and detect variances of fluorescence imaging in obese and non-obese patients.

Methods

Prospective patients were selected for laparoscopic cholecystectomies. Subjects were divided into groups based on their body mass index. Fluorescence imaging was applied preceding any dissection of extrahepatic ducts and again after dissection. Positive and negative identifications of biliary ducts were recorded.

Results

Seventy-one patients participated, with 53.5 % classified as obese. The cystic, hepatic, common bile duct, and accessory ducts were identified as follows: 100, 70.4, 87.3, and 7.0 % of patients, respectively. No differences in hepatic duct, common bile duct, and accessory duct visualization were detected in the obese and non-obese groups (p value 0.09, 0.16, and 0.66, respectively).

Conclusions

Fluorescent cholangiography is a useful technique in the obese and non-obese population. Obesity does not affect fluorescence visualization of bile ducts.

     

Effectiveness of Intraoperative Cholangiography Using Indocyanine Green (Versus Contrast Fluid) for the Correct Assessment of Extrahepatic Bile Ducts During Day-Case Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Introduction

During cholecystectomy, intraoperative cholangiography using contrast fluid (IOC-CF) is still the “gold standard” for biliary tract identification but has many associated pitfalls. A new IOC technique using indocyanine green (IOC-IG) appears to be promising. Here, we studied the effectiveness of IOC-IG (vs IOC-CF) during day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Materials and Methods

Over a 6-month period, we included 23 patients (with no cirrhosis or risk factors for choledocholithiasis) scheduled for day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The primary efficacy criterion was the “analyzability rate” (i.e., the ability to identify the cystic duct, the cystic duct-hepatic duct junction, and the common bile duct) for the IOC-CF and IOC-IG procedures after dissection. Indocyanine green was infused under general anesthesia. The same near-infrared laparoscopic imaging system was used for IOC-IG and conventional visual inspection. IOC-CF was always attempted after dissection. Each patient served as his/her own control. Cholecystectomies were video-recorded for subsequent off-line, blind analysis.

Results

The analyzability rate was 74 % for IOC-IG after dissection, 70 % for IOC-CF (p?=?0.03), 26 % for conventional visual inspection, and 48 % for IOC-IG before dissection. When each IOC modality (conventional visual inspection, IOC-IG before and after dissection) was considered as a diagnostic test, the accuracy for simultaneous identification of the three anatomic elements was respectively 48, 52, and 74 %. No adverse events occurred during the IOC-IG procedure.

Conclusion

IOC-IG was feasible and safe. Our results suggest that this technique is more effective than IOC-CF for biliary tract identification after dissection and may constitute a powerful diagnostic test for the detection of extrahepatic ducts.     

A cystic duct with no visible signal on magnetic resonance cholangiography is associated with laparoscopic difficulties: an analysis of 695 cases

Background/aims

We investigated the association between the magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) results and surgical difficulties and bile duct injuries during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

Methods

MRC was performed on 695 consecutive patients before LC. We divided the patients into two groups (visible cystic duct group and “no signal” cystic duct on MRC group) and compared them with regard to the length of the operation, conversion rate to open cholecystectomy (OC) and rate of bile duct injury.

Results

The “no signal” cystic duct on MRC group had a longer operation and higher rate of conversion to OC compared with the visible cystic duct group. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence rate of bile duct injury between the two groups.

Conclusions

The “no signal” cystic duct on MRC group was associated with laparoscopic difficulties, but not with an increased rate of biliary injury. When a visible cystic duct is not observed on MRC an early conversion to open surgery may avoid a bile duct injury during LC.     

Usefulness of intraoperative fluorescence imaging to evaluate local anatomy in hepatobiliary surgery

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: One of the major complications encountered in hepatobiliary surgery is the incidence of bile duct and blood vessel injuries. It is sometimes difficult during surgery to evaluate the local anatomy corresponding to hepatic arteries and bile ducts. We investigated the potential utility of an infrared camera system as a tool for evaluating local anatomy during hepatobiliary surgery. METHODS: An infrared camera system was used to detect indocyanine green fluorescence in vitro. We also employed this system for the intraoperative fluorescence imaging of the arteries and biliary system in a pig. Further, we evaluated blood flow in the hepatic artery, portal vein, and liver parenchyma during a human liver transplant and we investigated local anatomy in patients undergoing cholecystectomy. RESULTS: Fluorescence confirmed that indocyanine green was distributed in serum and bile. In the pig study, we confirmed the fluorescence of the biliary system for more than 1 h. In the liver transplant recipient, blood flow in the hepatic artery and portal vein was confirmed around the anastomosis. In most of the patients undergoing cholecystectomy, fluorescence was observed in the gallbladder, cystic and common bile ducts, and hepatic and cystic arteries. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative fluorescence imaging in hepatobiliary surgery facilitates better understanding of the anatomy of arteries, the portal vein, and bile ducts.     

Laparoscopic partial cholecystectomy for the difficult gallbladder: a systematic review

Background

In the setting of difficult dissection of Calot’s triangle during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, conversion is commonly advocated. An alternative approach aimed at preventing bile duct injury is laparoscopic partial cholecystectomy (LPC). The safety and efficacy of this procedure are unclear.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed independently by three researchers. The outcomes were conversion rate, hospital length of stay (LOS), bile duct injury, bile leak, symptomatic gallstones in the remnant gallbladder, need for reoperation, postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP), percutaneous intervention, and mortality.

Results

The review included 15 publications, which reported on 625 patients. Four different operative techniques could be distinguished. Conversion to open (partial) cholecystectomy was performed in 10.4 % of the cases. The median LOS was 4.5 days (range, 0–48 days). The most common complication was postoperative bile leak, which occurred in 66 patients (10.6 %). One case of bile duct injury occurred. During the follow-up period, 2.2 % of the patients experienced recurrent symptoms of gallstones. Eight patients (2.7 %) underwent reoperation. Postoperative ERCP was performed for 26 (7.5 %) of 349 patients. A percutaneous intervention was performed for 5 (1.4 %) of 353 patients. Three deaths were described in the reviewed series (1 of pulmonary sepsis and 2 of myocardial infarctions). A rough comparison showed that fewer bile leaks, less need for ERCP, and less recurrent symptoms of gallstones seemed to occur when the cystic duct and gallbladder remnant were closed.

Conclusions

Literature concerning LPC is scarce. Four different LPC techniques can be distinguished. When a difficult gallbladder is encountered during LC, LPC seems to be a safe and feasible alternative to conversion. Closing of the cystic duct, gallbladder remnant, or both seems to be preferable.     

Post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy bile leak secondary to an accessory duct of Luschka.

Intraperitoneal bile collection following laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been reported to occur in 0.2-2% of cases and appears to be slightly higher than when the open technique is used. When the injuries of the common bile duct, technical problems with the cystic duct, diathermic injuries to the biliary tree, and iatrogenic interruption of congenital anomalous of the biliary tree are excluded, the iatrogenic transaction of the cholecystohepatic ducts commonly known as the 'Ducts of Luschka' should be considered as the cause of the biliary leak. This article reports a case of bile leakage due to an unrecognized division of a large duct of Luschka within the gall bladder fossa during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and reviews clinical diagnosis, radiological confirmation, and the appropriate treatment for this uncommon complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.     

Totally Laparoscopic Right Hepatectomy with Roux-en-Y Hepaticojejunostomy for Right-Sided Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm of the Bile Duct

Background

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct is a precursor lesion of cholangiocarcinoma. We present a video of a totally laparoscopic right hepatectomy with hilar dissection and lymphadenectomy, en-bloc resection of the extrahepatic bile duct, and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy in a patient with intraductal papillary neoplasm of the right hepatic duct.

Methods

A 58-year-old woman with right upper quadrant pain was referred for evaluation. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed dilatation of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a stop in the right bile duct, with dilatation of the distal bile duct. The decision was to perform a totally laparoscopic right hepatectomy with hilar lymphadenectomy and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy.

Results

The operative time was 400 min. Estimated blood loss was 400 ml, without the need for transfusions. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the 10th postoperative day. The abdominal drain was removed on the 14th postoperative drain with no signs of biliary leakage. Final pathology confirmed the diagnosis of intraductal papillary neoplasm without malignant transformation. Surgical margins were free. Patient is well with no evidence of the disease 14 months after the procedure.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic right hepatectomy with hepaticojejunostomy is feasible and safe, provided it is performed in a specialized center and with staff with experience in hepatobiliary surgery and advanced laparoscopic surgery. Currently this operation is reserved for selected cases. This video can help oncologic surgeons to perform this complex procedure.     

Exposure for laparoscopic cholecystectomy dissection adversely alters biliary ductal anatomy

Background

Exposure for open cholecystectomy entails lateral, caudal traction on the gallbladder infundibulum, which results in opening the angle between the cystic and hepatic ducts. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), as initially described, is done with cephalad traction on the gallbladder. We hypothesized LC exposure technique narrows the angle between the cystic and hepatic ducts, placing them at increased risk of injury.

Methods

Twenty-three patients had routine LC. Cystic duct cholangiography (IOC) was done with a flexible 5-Fr catheter via a percutaneous introducer placed anterior to the gallbladder. Exposure of Calot’s triangle was maintained with cephalad traction on the gallbladder fundus. IOC was repeated after allowing the organ to assume the anatomic position. The cholangiograms were inspected for significant differences, and the angle of the cystic to the hepatic duct (CDHD) was measured by a blinded radiologist.

Results

The mean angle of the cystic to hepatic duct was 30? ± 19? in the IOCs taken with cephalad traction on the gallbladder fundus vs 59? ± 22?,P < 0.001, in the cholangiograms taken without traction. A filling defect at the cystic-hepatic duct junction was present in 39% of IOC taken with traction vs none without traction. The intrahepatic ducts were seen in all films without traction, whereas the intrahepatic ducts were not visualized in 13% of IOCs taken with traction.

Conclusions

From these data we conclude (1) extrahepatic biliary ducts may be at increased risk of injury during LC because of the exposure technique and (2) imaging bile ducts in the anatomic position may convey misleading information about the relative location of important structures. Optimal exposure for dissection of Calot’s triangle should utilize a second clamp on the infundibulum with lateral, caudal traction.     

EXTRAHEPATIC BILIARY ANATOMY AT LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY: IS ABERRANT ANATOMY IMPORTANT?

BACKGROUND: The prevention of major duct injury at cholecystectomy relies on the accurate dissection of the cystic duct and artery, and avoidance of major adjacent biliary and vascular structures. Innumerable variations in the anatomy of the extrahepatic biliary tree and associated vasculature have been reported from radiographical and anatomical studies, and are cited as a potential cause of bile duct injury at cholecystectomy. METHODS: A photographic study of the dissected anatomy of 186 consecutive cholecystectomies was undertaken and each photo analysed to assess the position of the cystic duct and artery, the common bile duct and any anomalous structures. RESULTS: The anatomy in the region of the gallbladder neck was relatively constant. Anatomical variations were uncommon and anomalous ducts were not seen. Vascular variations were the only significant abnormalities found in the present series. CONCLUSION: Anatomy in the region of the gallbladder neck varies mostly in vascular patterns. Aberrant ducts or duct abnormalities are rarely seen during cholecystectomy hightlighting the principle that careful dissection and identification is the key to safe cholecystectomy.     

Simple laparoscopic ultrasound technique for prevention of bile duct injuries

BACKGROUND: Bile duct injuries are serious complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic ultrasonography (LUS) has been utilized over the last several years to screen for bile duct calculi and to delineate biliary anatomy. We have found a simple LUS scanning technique that can be useful for preventing bile duct injuries. METHOD: After initial scanning for screening, laparoscopic dissection is continued, isolating the cystic duct. If necessary, scanning can be performed to assure the location of the cystic duct before clipping. After clips are applied to the cystic duct, prior to its incision or transection, LUS is repeated to examine the cystic and bile ducts. RESULTS: This postclipping study can confirm that the clips are applied to the cystic duct and that the hepatic and common bile ducts are intact without occlusion. CONCLUSION: This additional LUS scanning maneuver is simple and quick and may help prevent bile duct injuries.     

Can bile duct injuries be prevented? "A new technique in laparoscopic cholecystectomy"

Background  

Over the last decade, laparoscopic cholecystectomy has gained worldwide acceptance and considered to be as "gold standard" in the surgical management of symptomatic cholecystolithiasis. However, the incidence of bile duct injury in laparoscopic cholecystectomy is still two times greater compared to classic open surgery. The development of bile duct injury may result in biliary cirrhosis and increase in mortality rates. The mostly blamed causitive factor is the misidentification of the anatomy, especially by a surgeon who is at the beginning of his learning curve. Biliary tree injuries may be decreased by direct coloration of the cystic duct, ductus choledochus and even the gall bladder.     

吲哚菁绿荧光显像技术在腹腔镜再次胆道手术中的应用

背景和目的：相比于术中胆道造影,吲哚菁绿（ICG）荧光影像技术具有操作方便、术中胆管显像更加清晰优势。国外研究已证实ICG荧光影像技术的可行性及安全性。目前国内关于ICG荧光显像技术应用于腹腔镜下再次胆道手术却鲜有报道。因此,本文报告笔者在腹腔镜再次胆道手术中应用ICG荧光影像技术的初步经验,以评估其临床应用价值。方法 按照纳入与排除标准回顾性收集2020年1月—2022年6月昆明医科大学第二附属医院肝胆胰外科收治的择期行腹腔镜再次胆道手术患者临床资料。将术中采用ICG荧光显像技术的患者作为观察组,术中未采用该技术的患者作为对照组。观察组患者于手术开始前60 min,经肘静脉注射2 mL（总剂量5 mg）ICG注射液,术中利用近红外光三维显像胆管。结果 共纳入184例患者,其中观察组80例,对照组104。观察组胆道ICG荧光影像系统成功率为93.75%（75/80）。观察组的术中平均胆道识别时间明显短于对照组（25 min vs. 39 min,P<0.05）,而两组间其他术中指标（手术方式、手术时间、术中出血量、中转开腹率）差异均无统计学意义（均P>0.05）。两组术后通气时间、胆汁漏发生率、术后并发症Clavein-Dindo分级、术后6个月结石复发率均无明显差异（均P>0.05）,但观察组术后平均住院时间明显短于对照组（7.13 d vs. 10.35 d,P=0.032）。结论 腹腔镜再次胆道手术中应用ICG荧光显像技术实现胆管系统的可视化,可以避免术中因对胆道系统识别不佳而导致的副损伤。这一技术的应用对再次胆道手术安全有保障,具有良好的应用前景。     

Three-dimensional reconstruction of biliary tract using spiral computed tomography for laparoscopic cholecystectomy

To increase the safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, we have analyzed the biliary tract in a three-dimensional fashion. The union of the biliary ducts was studied in 50 patients using spiral computed tomography (CT) after intravenous infusion cholangiography. Depending on the union and course of the cystic duct to the common bile duct, cystic duct anatomy was classified into six categories: ipsilateral gallbladder side (type I) and contralateral side with anterior course (type II); contralateral side with posterior course (type III); intrahepatic side (type IV); intrapancreatic side (type V); and unclassified (type VI). The length of the cystic duct was also determined. The cystic duct was identified in 42 cases (84%); 30 cases (60%) were type I, 9 cases (18%) type III, and a single case (2%) of types II, IV and V, respectively. The length of the cystic duct was < or =2 cm in 30 cases that had a shorter operating time compared to 12 cases with a cystic duct <2 cm (p <0.01). In conclusion, three-dimensional reconstruction of the cystic duct anatomy using spiral CT provides simple classification of bile duct anatomy, and this preoperative information may increase the safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.