Role of MRCP and USG in Cases of Choledocholithiasis

Role of MRCP and USG in cases of choledocholithiasis Surgical jaundice is one of the challenging condition to the surgeons due to its high morbidity and mortality. With successive evolution in techniques of diagnosing choledocholithiasis from ERCP to USG to CT to MRCP one must know utility and advantages and disadvantages of each modality while moving forward for investigation. Out of all causes of obstructive jaundice both malignant and benign choledocholithiasis found to be most common benign cause. We get encounter with choledocholithiasis in daily practices. So is important to know which is best modality of choice for diagnosing choledocholithiasis also we must know limitations and advantages of each modality. USG is primary modality of screening chosen by surgeons while in the era of MRI, MRCP becomes best diagnostic modality. We had included total 100 subjects with suspected obstructive jaundice out of which 44 patients were of choledocholithiasis (27 females and 17 males). Most of the patients presented with yellowish discoloration of sclera and right upper quadrant pain followed by dark coloured urine and clay coloured stools. Out of all serological investigations done by patient there was significant raise in levels of serum total bilirubin (conjugated), serum GGT and serum ALPK seen. majority of patient in our study were in age group of 31-45 years of age. In our study we have concluded that MRCP is better modality with high sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy as compared to USG also with use of MRCP invasive procedures like ERCP can be avoided just for diagnostic purpose. We have also noticed few limitations of both USG and MRCP in process of diagnosis.