Are we getting the critical view? A prospective study of photographic documentation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Abstract

Background At laparoscopic cholecystectomy, most surgeons have adopted the operative approach where the 'critical view of safety' (CVS) is achieved prior to dividing the cystic duct and artery. This prospective study evaluated whether an adequate critical view was achieved by scoring standardized intra-operative photographic views and whether there were other factors that might impact on the ability to obtain an adequate critical view. Methods One hundred consecutive patients undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy were studied. At each operation, two photographs were taken. Two independent experienced hepatobiliary surgeons scored the photographs on whether a critical view of safety was a..