Biliary duct reoperations

Conventional operations for cholelithiasis are rarely associated with postoperative complications. However, when the complications do occur, they are frequently life threatening and require reoperation. These reoperations are associated with a considerably higher risk than primary procedures, and require maximal caution and experience from the surgeon. Reoperations are performed in anatomically altered conditions, and in a patient psychically and physically exhausted and in fear from repeat procedure. Therefore, it is of utmost importance for each primary operation including conventional procedure for cholelithiasis to be carried out at a high professional level, using all technologic achievements available that facilitate and improve the surgeon's work safety. In this way, the need of undesired and hazardous reoperations is minimized. The rate of and indications for reoperation in 530 patients operated on by the conventional procedure for cholelithiasis during the 1994-1999 period are presented.