Complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: imaging findings.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is rapidly becoming an acceptable alternative to traditional open cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic procedures are associated with shortened recovery periods and hospital stays and the cosmetic benefit of smaller scars. Early results from laparoscopic cholecystectomies suggested a high rate of complications; however, recent studies have shown that, in experienced hands, the complication rates of open and laparoscopic procedures are comparable. Complications differ somewhat between the two types of operations. In laparoscopic cholecystectomy, complications are associated with virtually every aspect of the procedure. The purpose of this essay is to illustrate the imaging findings of the complications that occur in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.