[Laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Personal experiences in 20 cases].

20 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallbladder stones. Only in one case the laparoscopic procedure had to be converted into an open cholecystectomy due to cystic arterial bleeding. There were no complications postoperatively. We feel that in selected cases laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a real alternative to the standard operation. The main advantages are higher comfort for the patient, better cosmetic results, shortening of hospital stay and sooner return to full activity.