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Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the gold standard for the treatment of symptomatic cholelithiasis. Many authors-including investigators at our institution, who reported one of the initial experiences with laparoscopic cholecystectomy in July 1992-have documented a definite learning curve associated with this procedure. We present a follow-up study of our experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy and compare these data to an earlier study of the initial experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy at the Beth Israel Medical Center., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 300 consecutive patients from March 1998 through March 1999. The patient population was epidemiologically similar to that of the original study with regard to age, sex, and American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) classification. However, whereas the initial population included only patients with chronic disease, in our study 13.7% of the patients had been admitted through the emergency room with acute stone disease of the biliary tract., Results: We found a 5.7% conversion rate, a 1% rate of major complication, and a 5.7% rate of minor complication rates, as compared to the initial study's rates of 12%, 4%, and 10%, respectively. Whereas none of the patients in the original study left the hospital on the day of surgery and only 49% were discharged within 1 day, in our group, 29 patients (10%) underwent ambulatory procedures and an additional 186 patients (62%) were discharged on the 1st post-operative day. The average duration of the operation was 90 min, which did not represent a statistical improvement over the time of 93 min reported in the earlier study., Conclusions: Since 1992, both the conversion rate and length of stay have declined at our hospital, but operative time has remained essentially the same. These findings probably reflect a bimodal learning curve, the increase in the number of cholangiograms and additional intraoperative procedures now performed, the greater severity of gallbladder disease currently treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and increases in the number of attending physicians as well as the level of residents who perform this procedure.

Background: An effort was made to determine whether a policy of routine cholangiography affects the incidence, morbidity, and cost of bile duct injuries., Methods: A retrospective review of consecutive 3,242 laparoscopic cholecystectomies was performed. Most patients had routine intraoperative cholangiography., Results: There were 12 bile duct injuries (0.37%). All injuries were Bismuth levels 1 and 2. Eleven of 12 injuries were recognized intraoperatively. Ten were repaired primarily and one required hepaticojejunostomy. All repairs were successful. Average hospital charges were $26,669. One of 12 patients had delayed recognition of a bile duct injury and underwent primary repair over a T-tube on postoperative day 7. Hospital charges were $43,957., Conclusion: Routine cholangiography did not appear to decrease the absolute incidence of bile duct injuries compared to previously published reports. Injury severity, morbidity, late sequelae, and costs were reduced by a policy of routine cholangiography.

Background: A comparison of safety, efficacy, and cost of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) vs open splenectomy (OS) for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) was performed., Methods: The records of 49 consecutive patients who underwent splenectomy for ITP (31 LS and 18 OS) at a large metropolitan teaching hospital between 3/91 and 8/95 were reviewed. Morbidity, mortality, hospital stay, operative time, blood loss, time to oral fluid intake, direct costs, and operating room (OR) costs were analyzed., Results: Age, sex, comorbidity, and spleen size were similar in both groups. LS was successful in 94% of patients in whom it was attempted. Operative times showed a learning curve for LS, with average times for the last ten cases (94 +/- 35 min) significantly shorter than for the first ten (p = 0.01) and also shorter than for OS (103 +/- 45 min). Postsurgical hospital stay was 2.9 +/- 1.3 days for LS and 6.9 +/- 3. 0 days for OS (p < 0.001). Patients tolerated an oral diet 1.2 +/- 0. 5 days after LS and 3.2 + 0.7 days after OS (p < 0.001). Direct hospital cost was $5,509 +/- 3,636 for LS and $9,031 +/- 12,752 for OS. In the LS group, six patients (21%) had accessory spleens identified and removed, compared with two patients (11%) in the OS group. Platelet counts did not respond in two (7%) patients in the LS group, but no accessory spleens were identified by nuclear scan. One major complication occurred in the LS group. There were no cases of splenosis or mortality in either group., Conclusions: LS is a safe and effective treatment for ITP, with significantly shorter postoperative hospital stay than OS.

Background: Resident education in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) was studied in a retrospective analysis of consecutive cases performed at two academic institutions with different educational approaches., Methods: Each procedure was performed by a resident as operating surgeon under the direct guidance of one of a small, constant group of LC-certified attendings acting as first assistant. In group I (n = 48), residents acquired LC skills by graded exposure and surgical responsibility similar to their training in other general surgical procedures. In group II (n = 48) residents were additionally certified via an intensive course (including didactic and animal model experience) prior to assuming responsibility as surgeon., Results: Results were similar in each group. No technical errors were identified. Blood transfusion was not required related to surgery. Conversion to an open procedure occurred in 10% and 8% in groups I and II, respectively. The rate of complications was 4% for group I and 8% for group II. A longer operating time was noted in group I and may be attributed to nonoperative reasons., Conclusions: Education in LC via graded experience throughout residency achieves results similar to that found with the addition of an intensive course. This additional training may not be necessary for surgical residents.

The pregnant patient with cholelithiasis is subject to the manifold complications associated with this disease. The management of a gravid patient with acute cholecystitis complicated by biliary duct obstruction utilizing combined endoscopic therapy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy is reported. The benefits to the patient and fetus when successful are apparent, but it is important to anticipate potential problems associated with laparoscopy in pregnancy and to avoid them. Various safeguards such as fetal monitoring, careful trocar placement, and intra-abdominal pressure monitoring have been suggested and should be appropriately utilized to enable a satisfactory outcome. Case reports such as this may further clarify the interdependent role of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and ERCP and their application to the pregnant patient.

Pneumothorax is an uncommon but potentially serious complication that can occur during laparoscopic procedures. A patient under-going laparoscopic cholecystectomy developed an 80% pneumothorax during the course of the procedure and required chest tube insertion. She then underwent an uneventful recovery. The etiology of this complication as well as methods for avoiding this problem have been reviewed. Because of the potential serious nature of this complication, it is imperative that the surgeon be aware of the possibility and implement appropriate immediate therapy.