Surgical endoscopy
-
Multicenter Study
The dramatic reality of biliary tract injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. An anonymous multicenter Belgian survey of 65 patients.
Most reports concerning the outcome of patients with biliary tract injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy come from tertiary referral centers, and results could be very different in the everyday practice of community surgeons. ⋯ Biliary tract injury is associated with significant mortality and complications in the practice of Belgian community surgeons. Intraoperative detection of ductal injury by the routine use and a correct interpretation of intraoperative cholangiography improved outcome. The impact of the primary biliary repair on long-term outcome is an argument to refer these patients to specialized multidisciplinary experts. The results highlight the importance of surgical experience, proper selection of patients for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and conversion to laparotomy in difficult cases.