Biliary tract complications in laparoscopic cholecystectomy - A multicenter study of 148 biliary tract injuries in 26,440 operations

Background: The higher risk of biliary tract injury is considered the most significant disadvantage of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: A national multicenter retrospective study was performed to determine the frequency, etiology, and treatment of biliary tract injuries between January 1, 1991, and December 31, 1994. Follow-up was by questionnaire. Results: Some 148 biliary tract complications were observed during 26,440 laparoscopic cholecystectomies. There was no significant correlation found between the number of LCs performed in one institute and the incidence of biliary tract injuries and postoperative bile leakage, but in the 2nd year of practice, the incidence of both complications decreased. In institutes with more conversions, more cases of bile leakage were also observed. A significant positive relationship was found between biliary tract injuries and postoperative bile leaks. There was no significant relationship between usage of intravenous and intraoperative cholangiography and ERCP. In univariant analysis of the type of injury, the primary treatment modality did not affect the outcome of injury or entail the necessity of reoperation. Obscure anatomy leads to significantly more main bile duct injuries. According to multivariant analysis, the outcome is significantly influenced unfavorably by the necessity of repeated interventions and advanced age. Conclusions: The definitely higher risk of bile duct injury mentioned in early studies was not confirmed.