title: A retrospective analysis of 6,387 cholecystectomies.
abstract: This is the largest retrospective analysis of biliary tract surgery ever reported involving 6,378 patients operated on during a three year period, 1990-1992. During this time interval, the frequency of laparoscopic procedures has increased dramatically. The use of laparoscopic procedures was associated with a significant decrease in the total length of hospital stay and total charges as compared to the open procedures. Because of laparoscopic surgery's increased acceptance, we propose that the frequency of laparoscopic surgery of the biliary tract should be used as a quality control measure.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, University of Virginia, USA.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Eggleston
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: London
authors.forename: W P
authors.initials: WP
authors.lastname: Glasheen
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Colley
authors.forename: B D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Edmonds
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Edlich
authors.forename: B D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Schirmer
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002758:Cholangiography / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002763:Cholecystectomy / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002768:Choledochostomy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003135:Common Bile Duct / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D017722:Hospital Charges / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011786:Quality Control; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016717:Sphincterotomy, Endoscopic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014768:Virginia / Q000453:epidemiology