[Prevention of bile duct injuries after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. "The critical view of safety"].

INTRODUCTION: Iatrogenic injuries of the bile duct and hepatic artery represent a continuous problem after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In this observational study we report about our experiences applying the "critical view of safety", defined as unambiguous identification of the cystic duct and artery by creation of an infundibular window, in order to minimise bile duct lesions and conversion rate.

METHODS: Between July 2002 and November 2004 100 consecutive laparoscopicly started cholecystectomies were prospectively investigated. The central surgical step of dissection aimed at reaching the "critical view of safety" and its photo printing before cutting the cystic duct and artery, otherwise a conversion was carried out without exception. Primary endpoints of the study were the conversion rate, secondary endpoints the incidence of intra- and postoperative complications, operation time and histological results.

RESULTS: 53 of the 100 primary laparoscopic operated patients showed the signs of an acute cholecystitis, 44 patients offered partially multiple abdominal operations in their history. In 19 patients we performed a "therapeutic splitting". Only in 3 patients it was not possible to apply the "critical view of safety" resulting in a conversion to open cholecystectomy. The mean operation time was 81 minutes and the postoperative hospital stay ranged to 5.4 (1-18) days. Postoperatively an insufficiency of cystic duct, a navel infection, an abdominal wall haematoma, an urinary tract infection and a pneumonia occurred in one patient each.

DISCUSSION: Pivotal factors leading to bile duct injury after laparoscopic cholecystectomy are systematic mistakes in the surgical technique, an insufficient surgical training and human failure of the surgeon. The introduction of the "critical view of safety" represents an objective, understandable and compulsory criterion for minimising the risk of iatrogenic injuries of the bile duct and decision on conversion to open cholecystectomy.