Abstract
Confluence stone is a rare disorder and remain a surgical challenge. It is generally considered as a contraindication to laparoscopic surgery. Marked inflammation of Calot's triangle may make dissection in this area extreamely hazardous. From 1991 to 2006. we experienced 11 patients, who underwent laparoscopic surgery. We have classified confluence stone into two types (A, B) on the basis of cholangiography. Type A lesion is characterized atrophy of the gallbladder and typeB lesion dilatation of the cystic duct. Procedure were completed laparoscopically in all cases. Mean operating time was 230 minutes and mean hospital stay was 19.1 days. There were no postoperative morbidity or mortality, and no biliary stricture in the follow-up period. Laparoscopic treatment of confluence stone is technically feasible and safe, and not a contraindication in specialized centers.
