CELIOSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY - EXPERIENCE WITH 2006 CASES

2006 laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LC) were performed from April 198 8 to December 1992 by three senior surgeons using the French technique and selective intraoperative cholangiography (IOC). Obesity was prese nt in 318 patients (15.8%), respiratory insufficiency in 75 (3.7%), in flammation in 251 (12.5%), and common bile duct (CBD) stones in 83 (4. 1%). The presence of these additional ailments is a good indication fo r LC. Conversion to laparotomy occurred in 43 cases (2.1%). The rate o f complications was 2%; 25 (1.25%) were nonbiliary complications and 1 5 (0.7%) were biliary-related; there was one death. IOC is not effecti ve in preventing biliary complications, as those observed in this stud y would not have been recognized or avoided by it. IOC is carried out only selectively to locate unsuspected stones in patients with risk fa ctors of CBD lithiasis. Laparoscopic treatment of CBD stones is still controversial.