Risk factors for bile duct injury in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: analysis of 49 cases

Forty-nine bile duct injuries, representing 0.8 per cent of 6076 laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed in the Netherlands in 1990-1992, were reviewed. The aim of the study was to classify the injuries according to severity, to identify possible risk factors contributing to the aetiology of such injuries and to correlate these with the severity of the injury. On the basis of operative findings, bile duct injuries were classified from minor (classes I-IIIa) to extensive with loss of bile duct tissue (IIIb) or localization in the liver hilum (IV). Of 49 injuries, there were 11 in class I, six in class II, ten in class IIIa, 18 in class IIIb and four in class IV. In 16 patients the injury was detected during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and the procedure converted to laparotomy. The duct injury was minor (class I-IIIa) in 14 of these 16 patients. In 20 of the 33 patients in whom identification of the injury was delayed to a second or third operation, more severe types of injury (classes IIIb and IV) were observed. Delayed detection was associated with greater severity (P = 0.002). Of eight patients with histologically proven acute cholecystitis at cholecystectomy, seven suffered severe injury (class IIIb or IV). Surgical experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy was an important factor in the incidence of bile duct injury.