Advances in technology increasingly are affecting the practice
of medicine and are changing the way in which surgical procedures
are performed. One of the most recent developments to affect
surgical practice has been the evolution of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
In response to questions about appropriate qualifications for
performing this procedure, the American College of Surgeons wishes
to make the following statement.
For optimal quality patient care, laparoscopic cholecystectomy
should be performed by surgeons who are qualified to perform
open cholecystectomy. Only such surgeons possess the skills to
perform biliary tract surgical procedures; such surgeons are
able to determine the best method of cholecystectomy; and only
such surgeons can treat complications consequent to laparoscopic
cholecystectomy.
Reprinted from Bulletin of the American College
of Surgeons
Vol. 75, No. 6, Page 23, June 1990
(See also: Statement on Laparoscopic and Thoracoscopic Procedures)