Laparoscopic cholecystectomy without cholangiography: a study of 151 consecutive cases.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy without operative cholangiography.


METHODS
Open study.


METHODS
Outpatient and private hospitals, Finland.


METHODS
151 Patients (of whom all but the first 10 were consecutive) with symptomatic gallstones, or chronic or acute cholecystitis.


METHODS
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and (in three patients) preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC).


METHODS
Conversion to open operation and morbidity.


RESULTS
Only 2 patients (2%) required conversion to open cholecystectomy (one bled and in one the anatomy was difficult) and 4 (3%) developed complications (bleeding, n = 2, bile collection, and subcutaneous emphysema as a result of malfunction of the carbon dioxide insufflator). Three patients underwent ERC after operation and two were found to have common duct stones. Both had been noted to have large cystic ducts at operation.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be done safely by experienced surgeons without operative cholangiography.
Schröder
T M
TM
Helsingin Laserklinikka, Finland.
Linko
K Y
KY
D000368:Aged; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic; D002764:Cholecystitis / Q000601:surgery; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology