[History of surgery for cholelithiasis: from the era of cholecystostomy to laparoscopic surgery]

Abstract

Since Stalpert von der Wiel first incised the abdominal wall for bile drainage in a patient with an intraabdominal abscess due to gangrenous cholecystitis with calculi in 1684, the problems inherent in the treatment of cholelithisiasis have received attention from surgeons working in this field. However, the major event was the development of the technique of cholecystectomy by Langenbuch in 1882 opening a new era in surgery for cholelithiasis. Subsequently numerous advances were made in cholecystectomy, choledochotomy, choledochoenterostomy, and sphincteroplasty associated with progress in the diagnostic techniques and instrumentation necessary to perform surgery for cholelithiasis. However, the outcomes of these methods were criticized, and they were gradually abandoned due to development of minimally invasive endoscopic or laparoscopic surgery. The development of laparoscopic cholecystectomy revolutionized the history of biliary surgery. In the 21st century, the best treatment will be available to all patients with the use of ultramodern technologies such as telesurgery and robotic surgery.