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Background Intraoperative cholangiography and laparoscopic ultrasonography are both used in the detection of common bile duct stones at laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The aim of this prospective study was to determine whether laparoscopic ultrasonography has an alternative or a complementary role with respect to cholangiography in achieving this end. Methods The biliary trees of 900 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were examined routinely by the two methods. The diagnostic power of each investigation and of the two techniques in combination was evaluated. The statistical non-random concordance between the two methods was also determined. Results Laparoscopic ultrasonography was performed in all 900 patients. Cholangiography was performed in 762 (85 per cent). The mean (range) duration was 9·8 (4–21) min for laparoscopic ultrasonography and 17·6 (7–42) min for cholangiography. For the detection of common bile duct stones, with a kappa coefficient of 0·57 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0·43 to 0·71), the non-random concordance between the two methods was considered to be fair to good. The sensitivity of laparoscopic ultrasonography was 0·80 (95 per cent c.i. 0·65 to 0·91) and its specificity was 0·99 (95 per cent c.i. 0·98 to 1·00). The respective values for cholangiography were 0·75 (95 per cent c.i. 0·59 to 0·87) and 0·99 (95 per cent c.i. 0·98 to 1·00). The examinations combined had a sensitivity of 0·95 (95 per cent c.i. 0·86 to 0·99) and a specificity of 0·98 (95 per cent c.i. 0·96 to 1·00). Conclusion Laparoscopic ultrasonography and intraoperative cholangiography are complementary, as the combination of both methods maximizes the intraoperative detection of choledocholithiasis.

Background The application of laparoscopy for malignancy has been halted in many centres because of a growing number of reports of metastases arising in port sites. The smoke created by coagulation during laparoscopic surgery appears to contain particles visible to the naked eye. This study tested the hypothesis that whole cells can be carried as an aerosol in the pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopy. Methods Nine patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for benign and metastatic disease were studied. Throughout the procedure the gas of the pneumoperitoneum was allowed to escape through a filter. The filters and tubing were washed, and washing solution was centrifuged and stained immunohistochemically to identify the cells. Three of the filters were also examined with an electron microscope. Results Six of the nine samples contained cells. Clumps of whole cells were identified as mesothelial in origin; the electron micrographs showed many other cells stuck to the filter, which appeared to be blood and mesothelial cells but were not analysed further. Conclusion The presence of whole identifiable cells carried in the pneumoperitoneum raises concerns for operating staff and could be a mechanism for tumour implantation. No malignant cells were found, but ethical considerations prevented intentional coagulation of malignant tissue.