Outcomes of Laparoscopic Subtotal Cholecystectomy: Safe Strategy for Difficult Gallbladders

Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy is a safe bailout strategy for difficult gallbladders when the critical view of safety cannot be achieved. In this retrospective cohort study, researchers compared postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy in patients with severe cholecystitis. They found that the laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy group had higher rates of bile leaks, postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and biliary stent insertion. However, compared to a previous study, there was a decrease in complications and no bile duct injuries. Following an algorithmic approach to safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy helped prevent bile duct injury.