[Laparoscopic cholecystectomy].

In a short space of time, laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the operative treatment of choice in cholecystolithiasis. The performance of the operation, however, requires complex equipment, and became at all possible only with the aid of video technology. The indication depends both on the patient's symptoms and the experience of the operator. Prior surgery in the upper abdomen and complications of gallstones are considered relative contraindications, and portal hypertension an absolute contraindication. The advantages of this minimally invasive operative procedure are the minimal traumatization and improved postoperative well-being. The need for pain-killer is low, gastric tube and selective drainage are not required. Dietary build-up and mobilization are possible early on. Postoperative hospitalization is 2 to 3 days. The future will bring further developments in the field of laparoscopic operative interventions.