Techniques of laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Nomenclature and selection

There are more than 50 different techniques of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) available in literature mainly due to modifications by surgeons in aim to improve postoperative outcome and cosmesis. These modifications include reduction in port size and/or number than what is used in standard LC. There is no uniform nomenclature to describe these different techniques so that it is not possible to compare the outcomes of different techniques. We brief the advantages and disadvantages of each of these techniques and suggest the situation where particular technique would be useful. We also propose a nomenclature which is easy to remember and apply, so that any future comparison will be possible between the techniques

Left hepatic vein injury during laparoscopic antireflux surgery for large para-oesophageal hiatus hernia

Although the advent of laparoscopic fundoplication has increased both patient and physician acceptance of antireflux surgery, it has become apparent that the laparoscopic approach is associated with an increased risk of some complications and as well as the occurrence of new complications specific to this approach. One such complication occurred in our patient who had intra-operative left hepatic vein injury during laparoscopic floppy Nissen fundoplication for large para-oesophageal rolling hernia. With timely conversion to open procedure, the bleeding was controlled and the antireflux and the procedure were completed uneventfully. However, this suggests that even with an experience in advanced laparoscopy surgery, complications can occur. Clear understanding of the normal and pathologic anatomy and its variations facilitates laparoscopic surgery and should help the surgeon avoid complications. The incidence of some of these complications decreases as surgeons gain experience; however, new complications can arise due to the increase in such procedures