Cholangiography, Postoperative

General

Synonym/Acronym:
T-tube cholangiography.

Rationale
A postoperative evaluation to provide ongoing assessment of the effectiveness of bile duct or gallbladder surgery.

Patient Preparation
There are no activity restrictions unless by medical direction. Instruct the patient to fast and restrict fluids for 4 to 8 hr, or as ordered, prior to the procedure. Fasting is ordered because an empty stomach provides better visualization and as a precaution against aspiration related to possible nausea and vomiting. The American Society of Anesthesiologists has fasting guidelines for risk levels according to patient status. More information can be located at www.asahq.org. The patient may be instructed to prepare the bowel with a cleansing enema the morning of the procedure, by medical direction.

Regarding the patient’s risk for bleeding, the patient should be instructed to avoid taking natural products and medications with known anticoagulant, antiplatelet, or thrombolytic properties or to reduce dosage, as ordered, prior to the procedure. Number of days to withhold medication is dependent on the type of anticoagulant. Note the last time and dose of medication taken. Protocols may vary among facilities.

Normal Findings

  • Biliary ducts are normal in size.
  • Contrast medium fills the ductal system and flows freely.

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions
N/A

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