Cholecystoenteric fistula is not a contraindication for laparoscopic cholecystectomy: report of five cases treated by laparoscopic approach.

The authors present five cases (three female, two male, mean age 50.8) of cholecystoduodenal fistula incidentally discovered during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and treated by laparoscopic approach. The laparoscopic technique adopted is described and all patients recovered promptly with no immediate or long-term post-operative complications. Discharge from the hospital was after 4.5 days, and after 6 months follow-up all patients were in good clinical condition. These results indicate that when the surgeon is skilled in advanced laparoscopic operative techniques such as duodenal mobilization and intracorporeal suturing and knotting, cholecystoduodenal fistula can no longer be considered a contraindication for laparoscopic treatment.