[The videolaparoscopic treatment of cholecystic common bile duct lithiasis: review of 827 cases]

Abstract

Background: The aim of this retrospective study is to verify the progress of the results in 827 patients submitted to videolaparoscopic treatment for cholecysto-choledochus lithiasis during the period >March 1994 - September 2000.

Methods: All the patients had recurring biliary colic, dyspepsia and pain in the upper abdominal quadrants. All clinical forms of cholecystitis were treated.

Results: The laparotomic conversions in the case of lithiasis of the gallbladder alone were 8 (0.9%) and 13 (1.5%) as it occured simultaneously with lithiasis of the common bile duct. Mortality was null and morbidity was found in 4 cases, equal to 0.4%.

Conclusions: On the basis of the results obtained cholecystectomy can be implemented on a large scale to include patients of all ages and those in the high risk groups provided that the operating team include expert and skilled surgeons in the laparoscopic method as well as the conventional methods.