Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Gallbladder perforation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy with spillage of bile and gallstones occurs in up to 40% of patients. Several reports have recently been published describing complications related to these lost gallstones. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of this complication in our patients. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database of 856 laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed between 1989 and 1996 by a single surgeon was analyzed. RESULTS: The number of perforations resulting in loss of stones in the abdominal cavity was 16% (165 patients). Of these 165 patients, only a single patient could be identified as having a long-term complication. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-abdominal lost gallstones can produce complications secondary to migration and erosion. It is prudent to make a concerted effort to remove spilled gallstones by every possible means but conversion to laparotomy is not justifiable.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 153-157 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | JSLS : Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons / Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons |
Volume | 1 |
Issue number | 2 |
State | Published - Jan 1 1997 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Surgery