Correlation study of MR cholangiography (MRC) and 3D-DICCT as a preoperative examination prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy

MRC and 3D-DICCT were applied in 44 patients before laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed successfully in 36 patients in whom whole length of cystic ducts was visualized in either MRC or 3D-DICCT. Open laparotomy was performed in 6 of 8 patients in whom whole length of the cystic ducts was not visualized in neither MRC nor 3D-DICCT. Rokitansky Aschoff Sinus (RAS) was visualized in 9 of 9 on MRC, and 3 of 9 on 3D-DICCT. In 7 patients MRC visualized whole length of the cystic ducts which was not visualized on 3D-DICCT. MRC was equal in visualizing whole length of cystic duct and gall bladder wall thickening, but superior in visualizing RAS to 3D-DICCT. Because MRC can evaluate biliary system and gall bladder wall thickening without contrast material, it is more useful than 3D-DICCT as preoperative examination prior to Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. (author)