Protocol for laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Is it rocket science?

Area of Science:

• Surgical techniques
• Gastrointestinal surgery

Background:

• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is widespread but has not reduced biliary injury rates.
• Misidentification of anatomical structures, often due to surgeon assumption, is a primary cause of these injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail tips and pitfalls for safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
• To present a mandatory protocol for safe LC to reduce biliary injuries.

Main Methods:

• Review of key literature and surgeon experience.
• Development of an 8-step protocol for safe LC, emphasizing critical view of safety (CVS).

Main Results:

• A high level of experience alone is insufficient for safe LC.
• The proposed protocol includes specific anatomical recognitions and dissection techniques.

Conclusions:

• Adherence to the 8-step protocol ensures successful LC, even in complex cases.
• Implementing this protocol can significantly decrease biliary injuries globally.