[Laparoscopic cholecystectomy]

The results of more than 1000 laparoscopic cholecystectomies are analyzed. Significant improvement of main parameters (mean hospital stay, postoperative lethality, postoperative complications rate) is demonstrated, including cases of acute destructive cholecystitis. The conception of emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy is proposed. It is shown that the percentage of severe complications and lethality are significantly lower in laparoscopic operations than in the open operations. The widespread opinion of frequent damage of extrahepatic bile ducts is not confirmed. The development of laparoscopic surgery justifies more active policy in acute cholecystitis.