Topic Overview

During surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy), you may have a procedure called intraoperative cholangiogram. The doctor places a small tube called a catheter into the cystic duct, which drains bile from the gallbladder into the common bile duct. A dye that blocks X-rays is injected into the common bile duct, and then you will have X-rays taken.

You may have intraoperative cholangiogram to:

• Look for gallstones that may be in the common bile duct.
• Allow the surgeon to see the anatomy of the bile duct system from the liver to the small intestine. Viewing the bile ducts before removal of the gallbladder may help ensure that the surgeon does not accidentally cut or damage the common bile duct.

Complications of intraoperative cholangiogram can include:

• Infection and bleeding.
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
• Damage to the common bile duct.