Common bile duct injuries are the most important injuries that may result from laparoscopic gallbladder surgery. In a published study, the authors reviewed 600 patients who underwent gallbladder surgery at a teaching community hospital. The study compared the safety, efficacy, morbidity and mortality of laparoscopic surgeries, as performed by one surgeon or under his direct supervision. The overall rate of bile duct injuries was .5 percent. One injury was a laceration to the anterior wall of the common hepatic duct and two were lacerations to the anterior wall of the common duct. Complications could occur regardless of the experience of the surgeon. It is important for the doctor to recognize any injuries during the surgery to minimize further illness or potential long-term condition.
