Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a new trend in the management of gallstone disease

The results of the first 100 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our hospital are described. The procedure was completed in 93 cases, and 7 cases (7%) were converted to open cholecystectomy. Of these conversions six were elective because of extensive adhesions, and one conversion was enforced because of instrument failure. The mortality in the series was 0%, and the morbidity rate was 5%: two wound infections, one haematoma of the wound, one intraabdominal bleeding, and one patient with a retained stone. The median anaesthesia time was 150 min. Recovery after the operation was remarkably fast; the median hospital stay was 4 days, and 80% of the patients had left the hospital on day 5 after admission. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy seems a safe procedure with significant advantages to the patient, such as a short hospital stay, a rapid recovery, and a satisfactory cosmetic result.