Laser laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Fifty consecutive patients underwent laser laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LLC) and four (8%) required conversion to open surgery. Among the 46, there was no mortality, no major morbidity, an average operating time of 101 minutes and hospital stay averaging 1.3 days. Patients experienced minimal pain and disability. Most were able to return to work within three days and to resume normal vigorous activity within seven days. The operation represents a major advance in the treatment of gallbladder disease.