Subtotal cholecystectomy has a well-established safety record and is specifically chosen because it significantly reduces the risk of bile duct injury compared to attempting total removal in an unsafe field. The most common complication is a bile leak from the remnant stump, which occurs more frequently in the fenestrating type. Most bile leaks resolve with conservative management or ERCP, without requiring a second operation. Retained stones in the remnant are rare on follow-up. The key point is that the risk profile of subtotal cholecystectomy is considerably better than the risk of a bile duct injury sustained during a forced total removal.
Written by Dr. Moksha Gowda, MBBS, MS General Surgery, Consultant General and Laparoscopic Surgeon, NiSH Clinic, 48, 7th B Main Road, near Vinayaka Temple, 4th Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru 560011. Phone: +91 9731174360.
