Comparative study of ultrasonographic findings with the operative findings of biliary surgery

Abstract

Background: Biliary disease is one of the most common surgical problems encountered all over the world. Ultrasound is widely accepted for the diagnosis of biliary system disease. However, it is a highly operator dependent imaging modality and its diagnostic success is also influenced by the situation, such as non-fasting, obesity, intestinal gas. Objective: To compare the ultrasonographic findings with the peroperative findings in biliary surgery.

Methods: This prospective study was conducted in General Hospital, comilla between the periods of July 2006 to June 2008 among 300 patients with biliary diseases for which operative treatment is planned. Comparison between sonographic findings with operative findings was performed.

Results: Right hypochondriac pain and jaundice were two significant symptoms (93% and 15%). Right hypochondriac tenderness, jaundice and palpable gallbladder were most valuable physical findings (respectively, 40%, 15% and 5%). Out of 252 ultrasonically positive gallbladder, stone were confirmed in 249 cases preoperatively. Sensitivity of USG in diagnosis of gallstone disease was 100%. There was, however, 25% false positive rate detection. Specificity was, however, 75% in this case. USG could demonstrate stone in common bile duct in only 12 out of 30 cases. Sensitivity of the test in diagnosing common bile duct stone was 40%, false negative rate 60%. In the series, ultrasonography sensitivity was 100% in diagnosing stone in cystic duct. USG could detect with relatively good but less sensitivity the presence of chronic cholecystitis (92.3%) and worm inside gallbladder (50%).

Conclusion: Ultrasonography is the most important investigation in the diagnosis of biliary disease and a useful test for patients undergoing operative management for planning and anticipating technical difficulties.

Journal of Surgical Sciences (2018) Vol. 22 (1): 25-29