The early experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Oregon.
OBJECTIVE
To obtain a profile of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) across the state of Oregon with regard to the safety of the procedure, use of intraoperative cholangiograms, and requirements for granting surgeons privileges to perform LC and other laparoscopic procedures.


METHODS
Single-mailing survey to surgeons and chiefs of surgery in Oregon.


METHODS
The state of Oregon.


METHODS
Surgeons and chiefs of surgery in Oregon.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Numbers of procedures performed, deaths, complications, and requirements for surgical privileges.


RESULTS
Sixty-nine percent of surgeons returned the questionnaire, as did 53% of the chiefs of surgery. Four deaths (0.04%), 244 complications (2.5%), and 27 bile duct injuries (0.28%) were reported in 9597 patients undergoing LC. Most surgeons (55%) obtained intraoperative cholangiograms routinely. Requirements for the privilege to perform LC varied among hospitals. Although the accuracy of this self-reported survey is uncertain, the results agree with those of other reports published to date.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is being performed with acceptable safety, although the process of granting surgeons the privilege to perform this and other "new" laparoscopic procedures should be standardized according to established guidelines.
Department of Surgery, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland.
K E
KE
Deveney
D000328:Adult; D002758:Cholangiography; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D042882:Gallstones / Q000601:surgery; D013502:General Surgery; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged