title: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a review of 12,397 patients.
abstract: We reviewed the cumulative experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy reported in the surgical literature, including 12,397 patients selected to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 95% of which were performed on an elective basis. Although the indications for operation varied, 90% of patients had evidence of cholelithiasis and biliary colic. Conversion to open cholecystectomy was required in 534 patients (4%); of these, 52% were converted because of acute or chronic inflammation or adhesions. Laparoscopic cholangiography was attempted in 3,696 of 9,231 patients (40%) and was successful in 84%. The incidence of major bile duct injury, minor bile duct injury, bile leak, and overall morbidity was 0.3%, 0.1%, 0.4%, and 4%, respectively. The mortality rate was 0.08%. Results from individual reports indicate that 54% to 98% of patients were discharged on the 1st or 2nd postoperative day, and 77% to 98% returned to full activity within 7 to 14 days. The incidence of bile duct injury, overall morbidity, and mortality compare favorably with published reports for open cholecystectomy. The collective data would also indicate that laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and efficacious procedure that offers a viable alternative to conventional cholecystectomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21210.
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Zucker
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Bailey
mesh_terms: D002758:Cholangiography; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; D002763:Cholecystectomy; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D011183:Postoperative Complications