This study examined 102 cases of subtotal cholecystectomy (STC) as a strategy for difficult cholecystectomies. Of all patients with STC, 47.1% underwent intra- or postoperative ERCP. Bile leak was the main indication for ERCP, with a higher resolution rate for postoperative ERCP (95.7%) compared to intraoperative ERCP (60.0%). No injuries to the central bile ducts were reported among STC patients. The study found that STC was a safe approach in difficult cases and concluded that postoperative ERCP was more effective in resolving bile leaks.
Journal Article by Fasting MH, Strønen E (…) Mala T et 3 al. in Scand J Gastroenterol