Authors: Mullerat, J.¹; Cooper, K.¹; Box, B.²; Soin, B.¹

Source: Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England, Volume 90, Number 4, May 2008 , pp. 310-312(3)

Publisher: The Royal College of Surgeons of England

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION: This observational study was carried out to establish how surgeons performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy currently deal with the issue of spilled gallstones.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was circulated amongst laparoscopic surgeons attending the annual conference of the Association of Laparoscopic Surgery of Great Britain and Ireland in November 2006.

RESULTS: Eighty-two surgeons completed the questionnaire. Only half of surgeons inform patients when gallstones are spilled. Less than 30% of surgeons inform general practitioners (GPs) of this complication, when it occurs. Less than a quarter of surgeons include this information in the consent literature provided to patients.

CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that trusts review their policy towards spilled stones either by local audit or adopt the guidance given by the UK Healthcare Commission. While some surgeons feel informing patients and GPs may unnecessarily heighten anxiety from an uncommon complication, our review of the literature suggests this position is not tenable in the current medicolegal climate.

References: 5 references open in new window

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Keywords: LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY; SPILLED GALLSTONES

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1308/003588408X285883

Affiliations: 1: Department of Surgery, Wexham Park Hospital, Slough, UK 2: Department of Surgery, Northampton General Hospital, Northampton, UK

Publication date: 2008-05-01

More about this publication?

• The Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England is the official journal of the College and is published eight times a year in January, March, April, May, July, September, October and November. The main aim of the journal is to publish high quality, peer-reviewed papers that relate to all branches of surgery.
  
  The Annals also includes letters and comments, a regular technical section, NICE news, controversial topics, CORESS feedback, book reviews and the best trainee presentations from England and Wales. The editorial board is composed of members of the College Council and experts from across the surgical specialties.
  
  Archive issues of the Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England are available via the PubMed Central database
  
  To view articles that have been published online ahead of print please click here
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