The use of the Veress needle in operative cholangiography

Summary

This paper examines the percutaneous use of the Veress needle as a safe and convenient adjunct to peroperative cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Peroperative cholangiograms were performed in 31 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The cystic duct was cannulated with a 4 F ureteric catheter, threaded through a Veress needle introduced percutaneously. Peroperative cholangiography was performed using this method with no complications. The cystic duct was easily cannulated. Air bubbles were not observed in any film. The Veress needle is a useful tool for performing peroperative cholangiograms during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It provides a simple, readily-available aid to cannulating the cystic duct.

Key Words:

• Veress needle
• peroperative cholangiography
• laparoscopic cholecystectomy