Estudio prospectivo del diámetro de la vía biliar principal antes y 12 años después de colecistectomía

Abstract

Background: Surgeons and radiologists commonly believe that common bile duct dilates after cholecystectomy. Aim: To measure common bile tract diameter before and 12 years after a cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis. Material and methods: Prospective study of 85 patients (aged 20 to 71 years, 68 fenmales) subjected to a cholecystectomy and followed for 12 years. All were asymptomatic and had abdominal ultrasound to measure common bile duct diameter, seven days before and 12 years after the surgical procedure. Results: Common bile duct diameter before and 12 years after surgery was 4.6±0.9 and 5.0±1.8 cm respectively (p=NS) among 69 patients aged less than 60 years. The figures for 16 patients aged more than 60 years were 5±0.8 and 6.7±1.9 (p <0.03). Conclusions: Among patients below 60 years of age there is no significant change in bile duct diameter 12 years after surgery. In subjects over 60 years of age there is a significant increase in this diameter.