Consequences of spilt gallstones during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

To document the incidence of spilt gallstones during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the cause and consequences of such spillage. The study included 150 consecutive laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed between October 2007 and November 2008. Data was collected in a prospective manner in accordance to proforma. Follow up were performed at the end of 1 week, 1 month, 6 months and 1 year. The spillage of gall stones during surgery occurred in 19.04 % of the cases. Majority of the spillage occurred due to perforation of the gall bladder during dissection, followed by application of toothed grasper. Although all visible spilt stones were retrieved during surgery, complication rate of 0.66 % was observed. The incidence and complications secondary to the spillage of gall stones during standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy is low but avoidable. Various complications can occur, over a large period of time. Thus it is advisable to retrieve as many gallstones as possible short of converting to a laparotomy Dasari and Loan (JSLS 13(1):73-76, 2009), Daradkeh and Suwan (World J Surg 22:75-77, 1998).