LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY - 100 CONSECUTIVE CASES WITHOUT POSTOPERATIVE MORBIDITY

100 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallbladder stones. We report our results and the management of choledocholithiasis. In two cases the laparoscopic procedure had to be converted into open cholecystectomy due to bleeding. There were no complications postoperatively. The results show that laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe procedure with real benefits. The main advantages are greater comfort for the patient, better cosmetic results, shortening of hospital stay and earlier return to full activity. We feel that, with a proper indication, laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder will establish itself as the procedure of choice in stone disease.