LEFT LATERAL LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY AND ITS RELEVANCE TO CHOLEDOCHOLITHIASIS

One of the current challenges to the laparoscopic biliary surgeon is the management of bile duct stones. While laparoscopic bile duct exploration is in its infancy, pre‐ and postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with or without endoscopic papillotomy (ERCPEP) currently plays a significant role. Intra‐operative ERCPEP has advantages over pre‐ and postoperative ERCPEP; however it has not gained popularity due, partly, to the difficulties associated with ERCPEP being performed with the patient in the supine position. This study prospectively assessed, in 10 consecutive patients, the feasibility of performing laparompic cholecystectomies in the left lateral position, a position amenable to intra‐operative ERCPEP if necessary. It is concluded that laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the left lateral position can be performed safely, with similar ease and results as in the supine position, increasing the options available to manage choledocholithiasis.