A simple scoring system for predicting bile duct stones in patients with cholelithiasis.

A means of accurately predicting the presence of stones in the bile duct in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder stones is lacking. With the use of a three-stage analysis, a predictive score was developed from seven common parameters. Initially the score was formulated by using data from a retrospective series of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy; the system was then tested prospectively over a 1-year period in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder stones. This simple scoring system demonstrated an ability to predict bile duct stones with a sensitivity in excess of 70%. The use of such a score may allow the development of preoperative strategies for treating patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.