[Measures for preventing bile duct injuries during difficult cholecystectomies-Bail-out procedures].

Background: Cholecystectomies can sometimes be very complex operations, which place high demands on the surgeon.

Objective: Are there preoperative and intraoperative procedures available for reducing the risk of intraoperative bile duct injuries during a complex cholecystectomy?

Results: The complexity of the operation should be estimated preoperatively. Extended diagnostic examinations, preoperative biliary stenting and the performance of the operation by an experienced surgeon may help to reduce the operative risk.