[Actual status of laparoscopic cholecystectomy].
BACKGROUND
Since the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 1988, the management of gall-bladder disease has changed importantly. This technique was rapidly popularized in the U.S. as well as in Europe. Multiple studies have proved its feasibility, safeness and great advantages.


OBJECTIVE
Analyze usefulness and recent advances of endoscopic surgery in the management of gallbladder disease.


METHODS
We did a review of the recent medical literature to determine the actual status of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.


RESULTS
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most common surgical procedure performed in the digestive tract. During the year 2001, 1,100,000 cholecystectomies were done in the U.S., 85% were done laparoscopically. In Mexico cholecystectomy in government hospitals is done laparoscopically in 50% of the cases, while in private hospitals it reaches 90%. There are multiple prospective controlled studies showing superiority of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in times of recovery, costs, return to normal activity, pain, morbidity, esthetics among other advantages.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard for the treatment of the great majority of cases of gallbladder disease, nevertheless in developing countries open cholecystectomy is still done frequently.
Chousleb Mizrahi
Elias
E
Departamento de Cirugía General, Departamento de Cirugía Experimental y Capacitación Quirúrgica, Centro Médico ABC, México, DF. cirexp@solar.sar.net
Chousleb Kalach
Alberto
A
Shuchleib Chaba
Samuel
S
D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D002764:Cholecystitis / Q000601:surgery; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D016896:Treatment Outcome