A TECHNIQUE FOR LAPAROSCOPIC RETRACTION OF THE ACUTELY INFLAMED THICK-WALLED GALLBLADDER

Utilizing the described technique, we have been able to obtain adequat e cephalad retraction of the acutely inflamed, tense, and thick-walled gallbladder with minimal trauma. This has made it possible to more ad equately identify key anatomical landmarks and to more safely perform the dissection in this area. We believe that the benefits of a shorter hospital stay, decreased postoperative pain, and earlier return to no rmal activity that patients realize when having an elective laparoscop ic cholecystectomy for chronic cholecystitis can be made available as well to more patients presenting with acute colecystitis.