Reduction of the risk of unretrieved stones during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy entails the risk of gallbladder rupture and consequent loss of stones within the abdominal cavity, which is not an uncommon complication. The development of intraperitoneal abscesses due to the spilled gallstones is one of its major complications. When gallbladder was injured during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, gallbladder was dissected on the medial and lateral side, or from the fundus of the gallbladder in the original position to reduce the spillage of stones. After putting the removed gallbladder into the endoscopic bags, hepatorenal fossa and right subphrenic space was thoroughly examined using retractor and oblique view scope. We performed these procedures in 30 consecutive patients with gallbladder ruptured during operation. Dropped stones were noted in 5 patients and were retrieved successfully. Reduction of stone spillage and the retrieval of spilled stones were essential. It is advisable to retrieve as many gallstones as possible after gallbladder perforation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.