Laparoscopic biliary surgery: will we ever learn?

Excerpt

The Guideline for laparoscopic biliary surgery appearing in this issue of Surgical Endoscopy is comprehensive and accurate. It reflects the extensive experience of the authors and a realistic view of practice patterns in the USA. There can be no doubt that laparoscopic cholecystectomy, in all but the most difficult cases or where neoplasia is suspected or exists, has become the standard of care for disease of the gallbladder. Carefully practiced, it provides excellent relief of symptoms with minimal morbidity and is a great advance over the former open approach. The impact of laparoscopic surgery upon the management of common bile duct stones is not at all so clear. Indeed, it may be argued that the issue has become confused. …