Review of 555 cholecystectomies without drainage

During a 10-year period, 555 cholecystectomies were performed without drainage of the gallbladder bed or subhepatic space. Six per cent of the patients had acute cholecystitis or hydrops of the gallbaldder and 11% had common duct exploration. Only in those patients with frank infection, spillage of obviously infected bile or in whom satisfactory closure of the gallbladder bed could not be accomplished was a drain used. Meticulous closure of the gallbladder bed was performed to minimize leakage of bile. The series was critically studied to evaluate complications, morbidity, mortality and hospital stay. It was concluded that drainage following cholecystectomy or choledochotomy can safely be omitted except for the indications mentioned.