Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Besides the Evidence (What Is Really Done In the World)

Abstract

It does not matter if, thinking of laparoscopy, we speak of “revolution” or “evolution”: laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is nowadays considered the gold standard therapy for gallstone diseases, both in scheduled as in emergency cases, and it is done in every hospital setting. The literature about LC might be considered overabundant, and it may be argued that most reports might reflect mainly the results of larger and dedicated centers. At the same time, it is important to find out what is the “true” practice of LC around the world, besides what is “perceived” or “reported.” As editors of a book concerning laparoscopic cholecystectomy, along with the evidence, we wanted to examine the available data from national surveys, audits, and registry.