Cholelithoptysis: an unusual complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is emerging as a preferred surgical method in the treatment of cholecystitis. Decreased morbidity and mortality rates make this an attractive alternative to conventional cholecystectomy. Recently, specific complications including bile duct transection, biloma formation, and liver lacerations have been reported. We report here, however, an unusual case of intraoperative spillage of stones into the intraperitoneal cavity. Subsequent erosion through the diaphragm resulted in expectoration of stones, or cholelithoptysis.