Technical aspects of cholecystectomy

Abstract

The gold standard for the surgical treatment of symptomatic cholelithiasis is conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Although it has been associated with a slightly higher incidence of bile duct injury (BDI) in comparison with open cholecystectomy (OC), LC is considered a very safe operation. Prevention of BDI should be routinely performed in every LC. Recent trends include the performance of cholecystectomy through a single incision and NOTES (Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery). However, lack of evidence of clinical advantages prevents their widespread adoption, and more data are needed to assess whether their use is warranted.

Keywords: Alternative approaches; Cholecystectomy; Laparoscopy; Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery; Single-incision laparoscopy.