Is Sterile Water Irrigation Safe during Postoperative Choledochoscopy? A Prospective Trial

Objective: To evaluate the safety of sterile water irrigation during postoperative choledochoscopy. Design: Consecutive open study. Setting: Teaching hospital, Taiwan. Subjects: 60 patients who were to undergo choledochoscopy at least 4 weeks after choledochotomy. Interventions: Sterile water was used to maintain a clear view of the biliary tree during fibreoptic choledochoscopy after removal of the T-tube. Main outcome measures: Changes in serum electrolyte concentrations and osmolality after the procedure. Morbidity. Results: There were no significant differences between serum sodium, potassium, and chloride concentrations or osmolality measured before and after choledochoscopy. One patient developed haemobilia and two had transient chills and fever, and two had abdominal pain. There were no systemic signs of excessive water absorption. Conclusion: With careful monitoring sterile water can safely be used during postoperative choledochoscopy.