How does Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy compare with Open Cholecystectomy?
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a relatively new operation that provides a safe and effective alternative treatment for patients with symptomatic gallstones. It offers the substantial advantage over open cholecystectomy of markedly decreased pain and disability, without apparent increased mortality or overall morbidity. Although the rate of common bile duct injury is increased, this rate appears to be sufficiently low to justify the patient’s selecting (with the counsel of a physician) this procedure for the treatment of symptomatic gallstones. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed at a medical treatment cost equal to or slightly less than that of open cholecystectomy, and with substantial cost savings to the patient due to markedly reduced time required for recovery. However, the results of laparoscopic cholecystectomy are greatly influenced by the skill and experience of the surgeon performing the procedure and reflect a rapid acquisition of appropriate technical skills. Beca
