title: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Australian beginnings.
abstract: Chance meetings in the USA and in France lead to the realization of the potential for cholecystectomy to be performed laparoscopically. Outlined are the steps taken to learn the technique and perform the first such operation in Australia (with unusual circumstances), immediately followed by the introduction of audit and training courses. Historical narrative.
authors.affiliation: University of Melbourne, Department of Surgery Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia. ken.hardy@health.vic.gov.au
authors.forename: Kenneth John
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Hardy
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000193:education / Q000941:ethics / Q000266:history* / Q000379:methods; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education / Q000266:history; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000266:history / Q000379:methods