Percutaneous removal of "dropped" gallstones after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Radiology. 1993 Aug;188(2):419-21. doi: 10.1148/radiology.188.2.8327688.

Abstract

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is becoming increasingly popular in the treatment of symptomatic gallstones, offering improved patient satisfaction and decreased hospital stays. The authors describe a patient in whom infected bile and gallstones were spilled or "dropped" during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Most of the gallstones ranged from 5 to 8 mm in diameter; one gallstone was 11 x 17 mm. An abscess formed around the stones, and percutaneous stone removal was performed 1 week after abscess drainage. The size of the retained gallstones is important. Stones smaller than 1 cm in diameter can usually be removed via a 30-F sheath by conventional means, whereas stones larger than 1 cm in diameter require fragmentation before removal.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic* / methods
  • Cholelithiasis / diagnostic imaging
  • Cholelithiasis / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Intraoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Radiography