Abstract:This study was designed to assess outcome, morbidity and mortality in patients with a previous history of gastrectomy who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Teikyo University Hospital at Mizonokuchi.From May 1990 through April 1995, 18 patients who had an upper midline incision from previous gastric surgery underwent attempted or successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Previous gastric operations included subtotal gastrectomy with Billroth l/ll anastomosis for ulcer diseases and total gastrectomy with jejunal interposition for gastric cancer. Preoperative ultrasound was done in all cases, ERCP in nine cases and drip infusion cholangiography in three cases to assess and evaluate the biliary system. Intraoperative cholangiography was done in the latter eight cases. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was successful in all but one patient who had severe adhesions necessitating conversion to an open cholecystectomy. Overall results were very similar in patients with and without a previous history of gastric surgery who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy at this institution. It was also found that intraoperative difficulties and a prolonged operative time did not correlate with the nature of the previous operation, but rather with the severity of adhesions identified during surgery.Although the number of cases in this study was very small, the results indicate that if the surgeon is experienced and well prepared patients with a previous history of gastrectomy can also undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy safely and with maximum benefit. We conclude that these patients should not be denied the advantages of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A trial laparoscopic procedure is warranted although the conversion rate to open cholecystectomy may be high.