Impact of the operator's experience on value of high-resolution transabdominal ultrasound in the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis: A prospective comparison using endoscopic retrograde cholangiography as the gold standard

Abstract

High-resolution US carried out by experienced examiners has a high diagnostic accuracy in the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis. Therefore, good training and continued experience are prerequisites for successful sonographic detection of bile duct stones using US. Under these conditions, further expensive and invasive methods such as ERC, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasonography may not be necessary in cases with a clear sonographic diagnosis.