THE USE OF ABSORBABLE CLIPS IN LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY

A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted to evaluate th e use of absorbable clips in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Fi fty consecutive patients, 36 females and 14 males, were randomized int o two groups. Group 1 patients had metal clips, and group 2 patients h ad absorbable clips applied on the cystic duct and cystic artery. Thes e patients were followed for 3 months postoperatively. There was no di fference between the two groups with regard to operative time, hospita l stay, and postoperative complications. The absorbable clips were as effective as the metal clips in providing hemostasis and securing on t he cystic duct stump.