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Published on: March 28, 2025
Open cholecystectomy in the laparoendoscopic era
Brendan C Visser1, Rowan W Parks, O James Garden
1Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA. brendanvisser@yahoo.com
American Journal of Surgery
|December 18, 2007
Summary
Open cholecystectomy (OC) is now rare, mainly used when laparoscopy fails. This review covers OC indications, techniques, and alternatives, emphasizing training needs for complex cases.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Procedures
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard surgical approach for gallbladder removal.
- Open cholecystectomy (OC) is increasingly reserved for complex cases or laparoscopic failures.
- This leads to a decline in surgeon experience with OC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the indications, technical aspects, and alternatives for open cholecystectomy (OC).
- To highlight the importance of formal training in OC for surgical residents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of open cholecystectomy (OC).
- Discussion of primary open approach indications.
- Analysis of laparoscopic conversion to OC.
- Review of alternative procedures like cholecystostomy and subtotal cholecystectomy.
Main Results:
- OC is primarily indicated for failed laparoscopic procedures or specific anatomical challenges.
- Technical aspects of OC require careful consideration for patient safety.
- Alternatives such as cholecystostomy and subtotal cholecystectomy offer options for high-risk patients.
Conclusions:
- Formal training in open cholecystectomy (OC) is crucial for residency programs.
- Ensuring surgeon proficiency in OC is vital for managing challenging gallbladder disease cases.
- A comprehensive understanding of OC, its indications, and alternatives is necessary for optimal patient care.