The incidence and significance of elevations of serum and urinary amylase levels following transcystic duct cholangiography.

Transcystic duct cholangiography does not increase the incidence of amylase elevations or clinical pancreatitis postoperatively. Significant rises in serum and two hour urinary amylase following routine cholecystectomy are quite common, regardless of whether or not transcystic duct cholangiography is performed. Many of these elevated amylase levels may arise from sources other than the pancreas.