Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Vol 16, Issue 1 7-12, Copyright © 1997 by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Value of laparoscopic ultrasonography in staging of proximal bile duct tumors
O. M. van Delden, L. T. de Wit, E. J. Nieveen van Dijkum, N. J. Smits, D. J. Gouma and J. W. Reeders
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
The additional value of laparoscopic ultrasonography was evaluated
prospectively in 35 patients undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy for a
suspected potentially resectable proximal bile duct tumor. Findings were
compared with transabdominal ultrasonography, laparoscopy, surgery, and
pathology. Laparoscopic ultrasonography was able to visualize the presence
and origin of small bile duct tumors or stones and small liver metastases,
which could not be seen or could be visualized only doubtfully by
ultrasonography and laparoscopy. Laparoscopic ultrasonography was more
useful in staging of small tumors of the gallbladder or proximal common
bile duct than in staging bifurcation (Klatskin) tumors. Additional
information provided by laparoscopic ultrasonography led to a change in
diagnosis or tumor stage in eight patients (23%) and to avoidance of
laparotomy in three patients (9%).
