investigations
Last reviewed 01/2018
The preferred investigations in choledocholiathiasis are:
- ultrasound:
- it may show a dilated biliary system
- stones are more difficult to see
- ERCP:
- this is used to demonstrate stones in the ducts
- PTC is a secondary way of showing stones
- full blood count - shows a leukocytosis
- liver function tests:
- show an increase in bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and gamma GT
- there may be a mild increase in transaminases
- prolonged prothrombin time
- abdominal radiology may reveal air in the biliary tree