Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Remarkable Development

A revisited article of JAMA titled Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy A Remarkable Development by Bruce M. Wolfe, MD; Barry Gardiner, MD; Charles F. Frey, MD and published on Mar 27,1991, is presented. Several remarkable developments have occurred over the last two years in the management of symptomatic gallstones. A fundamentally different technique for the conduct of cholecystectomy was developed, described, and popularized by surgeons in both France and the US. The technique is described briefly by Miller-Catchpole and involves the use of a laparoscope and instrument insertion through trocars, thereby avoiding the traditional incision. Advantages attributed to laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared with the traditional or open cholecystectomy include diminished postoperative pain, shorter hospitalization and associated cost, more rapid recovery and return to full activity, and a superior cosmetic result.