Abstract:

Laparoscopic surgical treatment of calculous disease of the gallbladder and biliary system has largely replaced the open surgical approach because of its well known and obvious advantages. This approach has also changed the traditional management of biliary duct stones. Formally, biliary calculous disease was managed by the surgeon in one setting usually by laparotomy with choledochotomy and common duct exploration. Referral for postoperative Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and Endoscopic Sphincterotomy (ES) was most commonly done for retained stones.

Authors:

Paul. S. Strange, M.D., Frank Troiano, M.D., St. Francis Hospital, Beech Grove, IN

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