Aim: To review and evaluate our experience in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on data collected during a 13-year period (1992-2005) from 1220 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Results: Mortality rate was 0%. The overall morbidity rate was 5.08% (n = 62), with the most serious complications arising from injuries to the biliary tree and the cystic artery. In 23 (1.88%) cases, cholecystectomy could not be completed laparoscopically and the operation was converted to an open procedure. Though the patients were scheduled as day-surgery cases, the average duration of hospital stay was 2.29 d, as the complicated cases with prolonged hospital stay were included in the calculation.
Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe, minimally invasive technique with favorable results for the patient.