Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: trans-Canada experience with 2201 cases.

The authors carried out a prospective review of the initial and consecutive experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy of 58 surgeons from 31 teaching and nonteaching institutions throughout Canada. The perioperative morbidity of 2201 cases is described, with special attention to iatrogenic complications. The data suggest that complications, including bile-duct injury, are not frequent. Pneumonia and wound infection rates appear lower than after open surgery. There were no deaths. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is replacing open cholecystectomy for the management of symptomatic cholelithiasis.