1932

Abstract

Video technology allows surgeons to offer patients operations through small incisions. While these minimally invasive techniques have been employed for a wide range of operations for many years, only recently has a laparoscopic cholecystectomy been possible. Compared to the same operation performed via laparotomy, it is deemed the “gold standard.” Overall mortality after laparoscopic cholecystectomy ranges from 0–1%, and the rate of major complications is less than 5%. As a group, general surgeons are beyond their initial learning curve for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, but the majority of iatrogenic injuries can be successfully avoided by appreciating the limitations and pitfalls of laparoscopic surgery, and by carefully dissecting the hepatocystic triangle before dividing any structure. Early identification and management of complications will minimize potentially devastating complications of small, unrecognized injuries. Physicians need to accurately advise patients of the proposed advantages and potential problems of laparoscopic cholecystectomy before referring them to a surgeon.

Keyword(s): bilegallstoneshemorrhageinjuryoutcome
Loading

Article metrics loading...

/content/journals/10.1146/annurev.med.47.1.31
1996-02-01
2024-12-05
Loading full text...

Full text loading...

/content/journals/10.1146/annurev.med.47.1.31
Loading
/content/journals/10.1146/annurev.med.47.1.31
Loading

Data & Media loading...

  • Article Type: Review Article
This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address
Approval was a Success
Invalid data
An Error Occurred
Approval was partially successful, following selected items could not be processed due to error