Minimising the ‘cost’ of laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Sandie R Thomson; Martin D Smith

doi:10.7196/SAMJ.9791

Editorial

Minimising the ‘cost’ of laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Sandie R Thomson, Martin D Smith

Abstract

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy entered into the surgical treatment of gallbladder disease in 1985, a time when innovation rather than evidence was the driving force for the operation. It became evident that the persistent Achilles heel of this operation was bile duct injury, the incidence of which has remained twice that of open cholecystectomy. The surgical community needs to embrace a multifaceted approach aimed at reducing the impact of this devastating complication.

Authors' affiliations

Sandie R Thomson, Division of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Gastrointestinal Unit, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa

Martin D Smith, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa