Both open surgery and keyhole surgery have their own risks. For open surgery, as the wound is much larger, there is a greater risk of wound infection and wound healing failures such as hernia development.
For keyhole surgery, traditionally there is a greater risk of bile duct injury. But with increasing experience, this risk is approximating that of open surgery. Surgeon's experience is probably the main determinant of this risk. In addition, for keyhole surgery, traditionally there is increased risk in patients with heart function insufficiency. However, with experience and newer surgical strategies, this risk is similarly approximating that of open surgery.
Dr. Stephen Chang Medical Director, GLAD ClinicAdj Assoc Professor, NUS
