The phenomenal growth of laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a review.

The widespread use of laparoscopic cholecystectomy 2 years after its introduction suggests that the procedure is a viable therapeutic option for uncomplicated gallstone disease. Early results seem to support a shorter convalescence for this procedure compared to open cholecystectomy. However, the actual complication rate is unknown. The outcome appears to be highly dependent on the skill and experience of the surgeon. How this operation is ranked against the classical cholecystectomy remains to be assessed.