What is involved in a laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the Hassan technique?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: December 26, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Operative Report Using Hassan Technique

OPERATIVE REPORT

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Symptomatic cholelithiasis

POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Symptomatic cholelithiasis

PROCEDURE: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy using Hassan technique for initial access

SURGEON: [Surgeon Name]

ASSISTANT: [Assistant Name]

ANESTHESIA: General endotracheal anesthesia

ESTIMATED BLOOD LOSS: Minimal

COMPLICATIONS: None


INDICATIONS FOR SURGERY

The patient underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy as the first-line treatment for symptomatic gallstone disease, which is the gold standard approach with demonstrated lower complication rates and shorter hospital stays compared to open surgery. 1


OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE

Initial Access - Hassan Technique

  • A small infraumbilical incision was made through the skin and subcutaneous tissue 2
  • The anterior rectus sheath was identified and incised sharply under direct visualization 2
  • The peritoneum was grasped with hemostats and opened under direct vision to establish controlled entry into the peritoneal cavity 2
  • A blunt-tipped Hassan trocar (10-12mm) was inserted through this opening and secured with fascial sutures to prevent gas leakage 2
  • Pneumoperitoneum was established using CO2 insufflation to a pressure of 12-15 mmHg through the Hassan port 2, 3

Port Placement

  • After establishing pneumoperitoneum, three additional trocars were placed under direct laparoscopic visualization 2, 3:
    • 5mm port in the epigastrium for the laparoscope camera
    • 5mm port in the right midclavicular line below the costal margin for dissection instruments
    • 5mm port in the right anterior axillary line for retraction 2

Gallbladder Dissection

  • The patient was placed in reverse Trendelenburg position with left side down to optimize visualization 2
  • A grasping retractor was placed on the fundus of the gallbladder and retracted cephalad over the liver edge 2
  • A second grasper was placed on Hartmann's pouch and retracted laterally to provide countertraction for hilar dissection 2

Critical View of Safety Achievement

  • The hepatocystic triangle was meticulously cleared of all fat and fibrous tissue using a combination of electrocautery and blunt dissection 4, 2
  • The lower third of the gallbladder was dissected free from the liver bed 4
  • Critical View of Safety was confirmed by visualizing only two structures (cystic duct and cystic artery) entering the gallbladder with no other tissue in the hepatocystic triangle 4

Cystic Duct and Artery Management

  • After achieving Critical View of Safety, the cystic artery was carefully skeletonized and doubly clipped proximally and singly clipped distally, then divided 2
  • The cystic duct was similarly skeletonized, doubly clipped proximally and singly clipped distally, then divided 2
  • [Optional: Intraoperative cholangiography was performed through the cystic duct to confirm biliary anatomy before division] 2

Gallbladder Removal

  • Retrograde dissection of the gallbladder from the liver bed was performed using electrocautery with careful attention to hemostasis 2
  • The gallbladder was completely detached from the liver bed 2
  • The liver bed was inspected for hemostasis and bile leakage 2
  • The gallbladder was placed in an extraction bag and removed intact through the umbilical Hassan port 2

Closure

  • The peritoneal cavity was irrigated and all fluid aspirated 2
  • Final inspection confirmed no bleeding or bile leakage 2
  • Pneumoperitoneum was released under direct visualization 2
  • The Hassan port fascial defect was closed with absorbable suture 2
  • All port sites were closed with subcuticular sutures 2

FINDINGS

  • Gallbladder: [describe appearance - inflamed/non-inflamed, adhesions, etc.]
  • Multiple gallstones identified
  • No evidence of bile duct injury
  • Liver appeared normal

SPECIMEN

  • Gallbladder with stones sent to pathology

PATIENT DISPOSITION

  • Patient tolerated the procedure well with no intraoperative complications 1
  • Extubated in the operating room and transferred to recovery in stable condition 3
  • Expected hospital stay less than 24 hours with early return to normal activity within 7 days 5

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS APPLIED

  • Hassan technique for initial access provided direct visualization and controlled entry, reducing risk of visceral or vascular injury 2
  • Critical View of Safety was achieved before any structures were clipped or divided, which is the primary method to prevent bile duct injury 4
  • The surgeon maintained readiness to convert to open procedure if Critical View of Safety could not be achieved or if complications arose 4

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: instrumentation and technique.

Journal of laparoendoscopic surgery, 1990

Research

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: operative technique.

Mayo Clinic proceedings, 1992

Guideline

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Guidelines

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Research

Traditional versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

American journal of surgery, 1991

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.