Cholecystectomies are one of the most common surgical procedures performed. Evidence of a cholecystectomy is often seen on imaging procedures with surgical clips in the gallbladder fossa and radiologists should be aware of possible complications.
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Indications
Procedure
Technique
Cholecystectomies are almost always performed laparoscopically 4. Open procedures are often the result of conversion from a laparoscopic approach. Historically open cholecystectomies were standard, usually via a Kocher incision, leaving a characteristic scar in the patient's right subcostal region.
Complications
Overall complication rate is low, at ~3% 3
- operative
- hemorrhage
- iatrogenic gallbladder perforation (can result in dropped gallstones)
- common bile duct injury
- post-operative
- hemorrhage
- bile leak/biloma formation
- biliary obstruction, e.g. from retained gallstones, clipping of the common bile duct
- abscess
- retained gallstones
- umbilical incisional hernia (from trocar insertion)
- sphincter of Oddi dysfunction
- cystic duct stone