Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: results after 1000 procedures

From May 1992, when the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed at University Department of Surgery, Sveti Duh General Hospital, till October 1994, the authors performed more than 1000 procedures. Laparoscopic approach was successfully used in 965 (96.5%) patients. Thirty-five (3.5%) cases were converted to open surgery. Dangerous anatomy, some technical problems and perioperative bleeding were the most often reasons for conversion. Further, liver metastases and perioperatively recognized common bile duct lesion necessitated conversion in one case each. In total, there were 18 (1.8%) abdominal complications. Common bile duct lesion, postoperative common bile duct stricture and duodenal perforation occurred in one patient each. Major bleeding was present in eight and bile leak in seven patients. The mean duration of hospitalization was 2.8 days. Analyses of the results show laparoscopic cholecystectomy to be safe procedure with low perioperative and postoperative complications.