Utility of Routine Intraoperative Cholangiogram during Cholecystectomy in Children: A Nationwide Analysis of Outcomes and Readmissions

Nationwide analysis of 34,390 pediatric cholecystectomies demonstrates that routine intraoperative cholangiogram use is associated with significantly lower 30-day and 1-year readmission rates, fewer complications, and reduced bile duct injuries compared to cholecystectomy alone. Propensity-matched cohorts showed complication rates of 12% versus 22% and bile duct injury rates of 0% versus 2% favoring routine IOC use.