www.websurg.com
This website is a product of the European Institute of Telesurgery (EITS) in Strasbourg, France. Extensive viewing of several laparoscopic procedures via video format is readily available. There are numerous different videos of laparoscopic cholecystectomy with added commentary, which are relatively easy to follow. Gallbladder and biliary tree anatomy is also demonstrated via video format as a teaching aid with anatomical variations listed and described. There is expert opinion from various surgeons on the controversial aspects of this procedure. This site has a quick and easy registration process allowing access to all forms of laparoscopic surgery across multiple surgical specialities. Overall, this site is effective both for the novice and experienced trainee. The ease in use and extensive video-aided descriptions on performing the operation from start to finish makes this a must view for any trainee assisting or performing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.*****
www.laparoscopy.net/chole/chole1.htm
This is a well-designed website which is both systematic and detailed with regards to gallstone disease management and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A Californian surgeon, Dr Qilici, has adapted this site from his book regarding interventional laparoscopy. It contains a simple, usable protocol for the management of gallstone disease. The procedure is described extensively with good diagrams, which aids the step-by-step explanation of this surgery. It is free to use and does not require registration thus rendering it worth visiting.***
www.laparoscopy.com/pictures/lap_chol.html
There are good pictures of an intra-operative case of laparoscopic cholecystectomy on this page. However, it does not give a step-by-step account of how to perform the procedure. The pictures do not have any comprehensive detailing/labelling regarding the anatomy. Thus, for the novice trainee, it may be difficult to follow. The site itself is easy to use but is unlikely to provide much information for either the new trainee or the experienced surgeon.**
http://www.daysurgeryuk.org/content/files/Handbooks/LaparoscopicCholecystectomy.pdf
This PDF document gives a detailed overview of the factors surrounding daycase laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The document was prepared by two British surgeons and an anaesthetist. It does not provide any information on performing the procedure but centres around the peri-operative management of the patients involved. This includes patient selection for the day-case operation. Its aim and use is certainly restricted to units attempting to establish a day-case laparoscopic service. The junior surgeon or nurse practitioner that perform pre-assessment clinics should definitely be encouraged to view this document as it has a relevant section.**
http://www.laparoscopyhospital.com
This website was designed by an Indian surgeon, Dr Mishra, who runs courses in laparoscopic training. The site serves as an advertisement to his courses, but is also a training website for the surgeon. It provides a limited, written description of the procedure. However, there is an excellent slide-show detailing the operation with both diagrams and pictures to support each step. There is a video that is easy to view but is not supported by any commentary thus is limited in its efficacy. The site excels in its detailed account, via slide-show and video format with commentary, of the differing laparoscopic instruments that are used and essentially demonstrates how to use them. It is an easy site to navigate and provides a useful insight to the procedure. Definitely worth viewing.****
http://www.gallbladder-surgery.info/download/flash.html
The Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons gives information regarding laparoscopic gallbladder removal. This macromedia flash presentation is solely directed at patients suffering from biliary symptoms awaiting the operation. It is an excellent presentation that gives an easy-to-understand, but detailed, presentation to patients. It answers most questions that patients may have. The clinician will find this a useful site to recommend to their patients suffering from biliary disease. The visual aids must surely give patients a better understanding of the disease/surgery.***
http://www.edu.rcsed.ac.uk/HowIDolt/laparoscopic%20cholecystectomy.htm
This article by Professor Cushieri is found on the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh surgical skills and knowledge website. This document provides a good insight into performing the surgery with the aid of diagrams. It is well worth viewing this as a quick guide to performing the procedure.***