Bile duct injuries during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a 1994-2001 audit on 13,718 operations in the area of Rome
P Gentileschi1, M Di Paola, M Catarci
1Lap Group Roma, Gruppo Laparoscopico Romano, Via A. Borelli 5, 00161 Roma, Italy. gentilp@yahoo.com
Background:
Bile duct injuries (BDIs) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) still are reported with greater frequency than during open cholecystectomy (OC).
Methods:
In 1999, a retrospective study evaluating the incidence of BDIs during LC in the area of Rome from 1994 to 1998 (group A) was performed. In addition, a prospective audit was started, ending in December 2001 (group B).
Results:
In group A, 6,419 LCs were performed (222 were converted to OC; 3.4%). In group B, 7,299 LCs were performed (225 were converted to OC; 3.1%). Seventeen BDIs (0.26%) occurred in group A and 16 (0.22%) in group B. Overall, mortality and major morbidity rates were 12.1% and 30.3%, respectively, without significant differences between the two groups.
Conclusions:
The incidence and clinical relevance of BDIs during LC in the area of Rome appeared to be stable over the past 8 years and were not influenced by the use of a prospective audit, as compared with a retrospective survey.
