ChOlanGiography Performed Routinely Versus Selectively During Cholecystectomy: A NAtional Registry-based Randomized Controlled Trial

Common bile duct stones (CBDS) may be asymptomatic but can cause pancreatitis, obstructive jaundice, and/or cholangitis. In Sweden, intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) is usually performed during gallstone surgery in order to detect CBDS and proactively extract them. The intervention to extract them may, however, cause complications by itself such as pancreatitis, bleeding, or perforation. In many countries, IOC is performed selectively when CBDS are suspected preoperatively (by patient history, imaging, or blood tests), or if the anatomy is unclear. There is a knowledge gap regarding the relation between risks associated with refraining from IOC and, thus, leaving undetected CBDS in situ, or actively diagnosing and removing the stones.

To compare these risks, we propose a national multicenter randomized controlled trial. The study will be embedded in the Swedish Registry for Gallstone Surgery (GallRiks), which will include all variables for inclusion and follow-up.

Population: Patients undergoing gallstone surgery without suspicion of CBDS Intervention: IOC Control: No IOC Outcome: Readmission or reintervention (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥IIIa) related to the cholecystectomy within 12 months after the operation.

A total of 6000 patients will be recruited. The results will have the potential to provide level A evidence for routines used in gallstone surgery not only in Sweden, but also internationally.