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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration in Patients with a Previous History of Biliary Tract Surgery
Published on: February 10, 2023
[Complications of diagnostic laparoscopy]
U Weickert1, R Jakobs, E Siegel
1Medizinische Klinik C, Klinikum der Stadt Ludwigshafen gGmbH. weickeru@klilu.de
Background And Objective:
The frequency of diagnostic laparoscopy performed by internists has increased for several years once again -- especially performed as minilaparoscopy. A determination of the value of diagnostic laparoscopy is possible only with knowledge of the complication rate.
Patients And Methods:
We reviewed a consecutive series of 675 laparoscopies (422male, 253 female, age 15 - 85 ) from 1996 to 2003 in our clinic. Possible risk factors for complications were analyzed.
Results:
Minor complications occurred in 35/675 (5,2 %) laparoscopies, major complications in 8/675 (1,1 %) laparoscopies. There was no significant difference between conventional and minilaparoscopies. The existence of Child C cirrhosis was the only significiant risk factor identified for the occurrence of a major complication.
Conclusion:
Both conventional and minilaparoscopy have an acceptable rate of complications. When Child C cirrhosis is present, laparoscopy should be restricted to very few patients, as the complication rate is elevated in this condition.
Insights
Diagnostic laparoscopy, including minilaparoscopy, has an acceptable complication rate. However, patients with Child C cirrhosis face elevated risks, warranting careful consideration before the procedure.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Procedures
- Medical Interventions
Background:
- Diagnostic laparoscopy, particularly minilaparoscopy, is increasingly performed by internists.
- Assessing the value of diagnostic laparoscopy necessitates understanding its complication rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the complication rate of diagnostic laparoscopy.
- To identify risk factors associated with laparoscopy complications.
Main Methods:
- A review of 675 consecutive diagnostic laparoscopies (1996-2003).
- Analysis of potential risk factors for complications.
- Comparison between conventional and minilaparoscopy procedures.
Main Results:
- Minor complications occurred in 5.2% of cases; major complications in 1.1%.
- No significant difference in complication rates between conventional and minilaparoscopy.
- Child C cirrhosis was the sole identified risk factor for major complications.
Conclusions:
- Both conventional and minilaparoscopy demonstrate acceptable complication rates.
- Laparoscopy should be reserved for select patients with Child C cirrhosis due to increased risk.
