In a retrospective study the accuracy of sonography and intravenous cholangiography (i.c.v.) in respect of pre-operative diagnostics before laparoscopic cholecystectomy was determined. Altogether 267 patients were examined by comparing sonography and icv results with those under both surgical and histopathological examinations. Ultrasound proved to be superior to i.c.v. detecting cholecystolithiasis in 99.4% versus 94.6%. The choledochus could be perceived in 81.0% by using ultrasound but in 93.6% by using i.c.v. In diagnosis of choledocholithiasis (CDL) i.c.v. proved to be more suitable. With this method 100% could be recognised whereas sonography showed CDL in 33.3%. Serious side effects caused by intravenous contrast media could not be observed during any i.c.v. examination. In our opinion i.c.v. is a valid and reliable method to detect CDL and should be used in addition to ultrasound in pre-operative diagnostics before laparoscopic cholecystectomy.