Changing experiences with 1848 cholecystectomies at a single institution

A retrospective review of all cholecystectomies performed at a single institution since the advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy at that institution was undertaken. Of the 1848 cases analyzed, 1372 were completed laparoscopically. There was an increase in utilization of ERCP prior to cholecystectomy, and an increase in the number of cases being done laparoscopically for acute and gangrenous cholecystitis over the 48 months of the study. Of the 1442 cases started laparoscopically, eight technical complications were recognized, and conversion was required in five of these. Only two bile duct injuries were identified in the laparoscopic group. Data analyzed over the past 2 years of the study, when the number of surgeons performing laparoscopy remained stable, showed a decrease in both complication and conversion rates. There are no strong data to support the practice of routine intraoperative cholangiography.