Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy-A Novel Treatment of Cholecystolithiasis

Masahiro Ohgami, Yoshito Arisawa, Hiroaki Fukagawa, Isao Yokoyama, Kenji Matsumoto, Katsuhiko Nohga

Department of Surgery, Kawasaki Municipal Hospital

Seventy-two patients with cholecystolithiasis have been successfully treated by laparoscopic cholecystectomy using a flexible video laparoscop since July 1990. Intraoperative cholangiography confirmed the absence of residual bile duct stones and bile duct injury. All patients were free of complications postoperatively except for one umbilical wound infection, which was treated easily. They were discharged about 5 days after surgery. Our criteria of indication for this operation are 1) no history of upper abdominal surgery; 2) no acute cholecystitis; 3) no evidence of a common bile duct stone and positive cholecystogram by intravenous cholangiography. The advantages of this method over conventional cholecystectomy are 1) much less postoperative pain; 2) rapid recovery of abdominal transit; 3) rapid recovery of the patient, with complete return to normal activity; 4) small scar.

Key words
laparoscopic cholecystectomy, video laparoscope, cholecystolithiasis

Reprint requests
Masahiro Ohgami Department of Surgery, Kawasaki Municipal Hospital
12-1 Shinkawa-dori, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210 JAPAN

Accepted
July 3, 1991

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