Partial cholecystectomy in elective and emergency gall bladder surgery in the high risk patients--a viable and safe option in the era of laparoscopic surgery.

Partial cholecystectomy was performed in this Institute in fifteen patients in the last 8 years. Three were performed in cirrhotic patients with bleeding diathesis. The other indications were obscure anatomy, intraperitoneal adhesions, Mirizzi syndrome and poor general condition of the patient. None of these had any major morbidity in the immediate postoperative period. Partial cholecystectomy is a safe and viable option in a difficult situation.