[Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the Czech Republic: a nation-wide study (9,439 cases)]

The investigation is based on data obtained by means of questionnaires from 62 surgical departments in the Czech Republic. The respondents performed to the data of December 31, 1993 a total of 9,439 laparoscopic cholecystectomies. Conversions accounted for 4.9%, some three quarters were called for by obscure anatomical conditions. The biliary pathways were injured (with the exception of the cystic duct) in 43 patients (0.46%). Peroperative biligraphy was performed in 2.6% of operated patients. Injuries of the digestive tract were recorded in 0.06% patients and injuries of blood vessels in 1.4% of patients. The morbidity in the group was 7.7% and the lethality 0.14% (13 patients). The authors compare the data with other nation-wide studies and demonstrate the advantages of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.