Cholangiography

Alternative names

X-ray of the biliary system. Gallbladder X-ray.

Definition

Diagnostic test used in the field of Gastroenterology that consists of imaging the gallbladder and bile ducts intrahepatic and extrahepatic using ionizing radiation (X-rays) and a radiopaque contrast medium.

Depending on the route used to administer the contrast used during the study, cholangiography has different names:

• Intravenous cholangiography- Contrast is given through a vein in your arm. In disuse.
• Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography: it is administered directly into the liver through a small puncture with a fine needle in the abdominal wall. Used when other types of cholangiography cannot be performed.
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographyContrast is administered through a tube that is delivered directly from the mouth to the bile ducts. Widely used technique.

How is the study done?

Cholangiography is performed in the Radiology Unit of the medical center or hospital by qualified personnel. The patient must undress the anatomical area under study and remove their personal items, especially jewelry and metal objects. The patient will lie on the X-ray table during the study. The examiner will proceed to administer the contrast through one of the routes described; Once administered and its correct distribution verified, a series of x-rays of the gallbladder and bile ducts will be taken. The study usually last between 15-20 minutes.

What does it feel like during and after the study?

Cholangiography is painless except at the time of contrast administration. In intravenous cholangiography and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography, the patient may perceive a small pin prick when inserting the needle into the vein or into the abdominal wall. Puncture of the liver is painless as it lacks nerve endings. On retrograde cholangiopancreatography, the patient may have nausea or a sensation of mild pressure at the time the probe is inserted. The contrast is eliminated in urine and feces in the hours or days after the study is carried out.

Preparation for the study

Cholangiography does not require prior preparation by the patient. In some cases, fasting for 6-8 hours prior to the study will be necessary.

Study risks

• allergy to the contrast used during the study.
• Infection of the route of administration of the contrast.
• Bleeding in the contrast administration route.
• Inflammation and / or infection of the gallbladder or bile ducts.

Study contraindications

The patient must inform his doctor before conducting the study in case of:

• Contrast allergy
• Pregnancy and / or breastfeeding
• Taking drugs
• Coagulation disorders and / or taking anticoagulants

What is the study done for?

Cholangiography is a widely known and used technique in the world of Medicine. The study allows detecting alterations in the normal bile duct morphology (gallbladder and ducts), such as narrowing, dilatation, benign tumors (polyps), lithiasic lesions (stones), malignant tumors (carcinomas); which in the case of being observed should be studied later by using more specific tests.

Currently, imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography are displacing classical cholangiography techniques.