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Lost Gallstones—a Small but Real Complication
Author(s) -
Cafarella Linda A.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
aorn journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1878-0369
pISSN - 0001-2092
DOI - 10.1016/s0001-2092(06)62321-1
Subject(s) - complication , gallstones , medicine , surgery , general surgery
Retained gallstones are considered a complication of cholecystectomies. If stones can be removed using minimally invasive procedures (ie, laparoscopically), patients' recovery time may decrease and satisfaction may increase. Correct and immediate diagnosis of this complication at the time of the procedure often is the determining factor between patients' full recovery and their potential chronic illness. This article describes diagnostic tests and techniques used to surgically correct this complication and presents two case studies depicting patients' experiences from a few months to nine years postoperatively. AORM J 70 (Sept 1999) 392‐405.