Absence of cystic duct leakage using locking clips in 1017 cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Cystic duct leakage with metal clips persists after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The aim of the study is to evaluate the preventive effect of locking clips on leaks from the cystic duct stump after LC as an alternative to metal clips. Locking clips were routinely used to close the cystic duct in LC. A total of 1101 patients who underwent LC were retrospectively assessed from a database of the surgical department at our university hospital. A main outcome measurement is bile leakage after LC. From January 2006 to April 2011, 1053 LCs were performed. Of these, the cystic duct was closed with locking clips in 1017 cases, and no bile leaks from the cystic duct were observed in any of these 1017 cases. Locking clips should be routinely used to close the cystic duct in preference to metallic clips to reduce postoperative bile leaks after LC.