BACKGROUND Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has now replaced open cholecystectomy for the treatment of gallbladder diseases. However, certain cases still require conversion to open procedures. This study identifies and evaluates risk factors that may predict conversion from laparoscopic to an open procedure. OBJECTIVES To identify and evaluate the predictive factors for conversion of laparoscopic...

Dr. Barry McKernan, who performed the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the United States, has followed a surgical trail that truly represents the spirit of the American surgeon. He completed his undergraduate studies at a time when American medicine, American surgery, and clinically related research were beginning their Golden Age. The interval was the mid 1960s. Medical students and gradu...

BACKGROUND The short-term benefits of laparoscopic surgery are well established, particularly within an enhanced recovery program. Early return to activity is to be expected but has not been quantified. The aim of this study was to measure the hospital stay and return to full activity following laparoscopic colorectal surgery and compare this with laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic i...

INTRODUCTION Despite the skepticism with which it was initially seen, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is now the technique of choice for acute cholecystitis. It is, however, important to evaluate the results in comparison with classic cholecystectomy, since the latter is still used by some surgeons in certain situations. MATERIAL AND METHODS Our research corresponds to the analysis of 520 patien...

BACKGROUND Pregnancy was once considered a contraindication to laparoscopic cholecystectomy and appendectomy. The progression of laparoscopic techniques has resulted in a continued reassessment of laparoscopic procedures during pregnancy. There still exists some controversy as to the safety of laparoscopic procedures during pregnancy. This paper reviews our series of six pregnant patients treat...

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has traditionally been performed using multiple small incisions. Single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) has emerged as an alternative technique to improve cosmesis and minimize complications associated with multiple incisions. This study compared SILC with conventional four incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Materials and methods: One hundred and tw...

Since multiport laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become a standard treatment for gallbladder (GB) disease, a single incision laparoscopic surgical technique has been tried to decrease the surgical site pain and achieve a better cosmetic out come in selected patients. The development of devices dedicated for single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) is expanding the indication of this ...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combined approach to the treatment of biliary pancreatitis using laparoscopic cholecystectomy and selective endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). DESIGN Consecutive case series. SETTING Tertiary care center. PATIENTS All patients undergoing primary operations for biliary pancreatitis during 2 time periods were included. I...

Laparoscopy for diagnostic and operative purposes offers specific advantages to the patient. Apart from the aesthetic appeal, the shorter hospitalization, a more rapid return to normal activity than after traditional open surgery and decreased postoperative morbidity are particularly strong arguments for laparoscopic surgery. Currently, the most frequently performed laparoscopic upper abdominal...