Overview

Cholecystectomy is one the most frequent laparoscopic procedures worldwide. It is a safe and effective operation but intraoperative bile duct injury remains a relevant complication with serious consequences for the patient. Most of the complications occur due to a lack of knowledge of the anatomy or misidentification of the cystic duct. Thus, the study of the anatomy is a cornerstone of a successful procedure and the preoperative magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a way to preoperatively determine relevant structures to avoid intraoperative incidents.

This trial has been designed to assess the effect of preoperative virtual reality training based on MRCP on intraoperative performance and outcome.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Referred for elective cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholecystolithiasis/chronic cholecystitis
• Early cholecystectomy after acute biliary pancreatitis
• Concomitant minor procedures (adhesiolysis, umbilical hernia repair, liver biopsy)
• Sufficient quality of MRCP

Exclusion Criteria:

• American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) classification ≥ 4
• Previous major open upper abdominal surgery
• Suspicion for concomitant biliary disease (e.g. Mirizzi-Syndrome)
• Robotic cholecystectomy
• Planned open procedures