The European experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Article Abstract:
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a technique for gallbladder removal, is a minimally invasive procedure carried out through several small abdominal incisions. Through these incisions, a laparoscope (instrument for visualizing the internal organs) and several trocars (sharply pointed instruments) fitted with surgical instruments are inserted. Under laparoscopic visualization, the gallbladder is removed. This procedure originated in Europe in 1987. A survey of seven European centers was undertaken. There were 1,236 laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed; all patients had symptomatic gallstone disease. Conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery (the traditional approach) was necessary in 45 patients (3.6 percent). In 33 patients, this was due to technical difficulties. Another 11 patients developed complications during surgery, and in one patient, the instrument failed. No deaths occurred. There were 20 patients (1.6 percent) who developed postoperative complications; nine of these were serious enough to require laparotomy (open surgery into the abdomen). Bile duct injury occurred in four patients. The average hospital stay was three days, and the average time to return to normal activity after discharge was 11 days. It is concluded that laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe procedure when performed by trained surgeons. This procedure reduces the recovery period of the patient and allows rapid return to full activity, a significant improvement over open cholecystectomy. The cost savings of this procedure are obvious. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become a well-established procedure within a short period of time. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Surgery
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9610
Year: 1991
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Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Article Abstract:
Cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder) is a commonly performed surgical procedure. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a minimally-invasive approach to remove the gallbladder, has been developed. This procedure is performed using several small abdominal incisions through which a laparoscope and trocars (sharply pointed instruments), fitted with surgical instruments, are inserted. Under laparoscopic visualization and video control the instruments manipulate and finally remove the gallbladder. The advantages of this procedure over the traditional cholecystectomy, which is major surgery involving a large upper abdominal incision, include: reduced hospital stay; discharge within an average of 24 hours after the procedure; return to work and normal activities (usually within fewer than seven days); and better cosmetic appearance of the abdomen. A technique is described that has been performed at one institution on over 800 patients. This technique uses intraoperative cholangiography (radiographic examination of the bile ducts), which permits the surgeon to evaluate the bile duct completely. The laparoscopic technique was feasible for all patients who were candidates for cholecystectomy. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Surgery
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9610
Year: 1991
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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