Is cholecystectomy by celiovideoscopy dangerous in the initial period?
The aim of this study was to prospectively study the complication rate of our 100 initial laparoscopic cholecystectomies. The ultimate goal was to obtain a morbidity rate comparable to open cholecystectomy. No major complications were noticed. The conversion rate to open cholecystectomy was 8%, slightly higher in comparison with the literature. Absence of major complications could be explained by: a) indications limited to symptomatic non complicated cholelithiasis; b) assistance at the beginning of our experience of gynecologists used to laparoscopic techniques; c) conversion to open cholecystectomy in case of technical difficulties. Application of these principles allows the digestive surgeon to start laparoscopic cholecystectomy without submitting the patient to additional risks.