Table 1.

Clinical indications for early post-cholecystectomy cross-sectional imaging

Intraoperative injury (suspected, recognised by surgeon or repaired) to bile ducts, blood vessels or bowel

Persistent or worsening upper right abdominal pain

Physical signs of peritonitis (localised or diffuse)

Suspected infection/sepsis:

- Fever  - Increasing leukocyte count and C-reactive protein levels

Suspected haemorrhage → CT angiography

- Dropping haemoglobin  - Blood from drainage tube  - Hypotension/shock

Suspected biliary injury → magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)

- Jaundice  - Elevated or increasing bilirubin levels, abnormal liver function tests  - Bile from drainage tube