ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the feasibility and value of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for acute cholecystitis complicated with incarcerated gallstones. Methods From January 2005 to December 2007,71 patients with acute cholecystitis complicated with incarcerated gallstones received laparoscopic cholecystectomy by using four trocars in our hospital. The Arteria cystica and ductus cysticus were operated successively. For widened ductus cysticus,we ligated the duct first and then cut it off. Afterwards,the wound on the liver bed and its margin were electrocoagulated. After the operation,a drainage tube was placed under the liver. Results Of the patients,the LC were successfully completed in 67 cases (94.4%),4 cases were converted to open surgery (2 of them had a disease course of less then 3 days,and one over 3 days). No biliary injury or death occurred in this series. The patients were discharged from hospital in 2-6 days (mean,3 days). No complication was found during a 6-month follow-up. Conclusions With the improvement of operator's proficiency and skills,LC becomes feasible and safe for acute cholecystitis complicated with incarcerated gallstones.