[Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: experiences in Erlangen]

From February 2, 1990 to June 15, 1991, a total of 160 patients were subjected to laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The procedure was successful in 150 patients, while in ten patients the procedure was converted to conventional cholecystectomy for the following reasons: suspected malignancy (2), cystic duct stone (1), dysfunction of equipment (2), adhesions (1), concomitant liver tumor (1), abscess in the hepatoduodenal ligament following endoscopic papillotomy (1), and chronic cholecystitis (2). Four patients developed substantial complications. Two patients developed biliary leakage requiring laparotomy and endoscopy placement of a nasobiliary tube in one case each. The other two patients developed intraabdominal bleeding that forced an emergency laparotomy in one case. With increasing experience in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, we would only consider a preoperative suspicion of malignancy as an absolute contraindication.