Duodenal injuries during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: An unusual but serious complication of a routine surgical procedure

Abstract

Duodenal injury is an unusual complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, mostly caused by direct injury of the duodenum by laparoscopic instruments, either mechanical or thermal. The management is usually surgical, with satisfactory results, as long as the complication is detected early. We report two cases of duodenal perforations during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. One was treated with primary closure of the defect, while the other was managed conservatively with abdominal drainage and food deprivation. Both techniques proved successful in the management of that complication.