Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy is now an accepted part of resident training, the impact of operative laparoscopy (OL) upon the residency environment has not been examined in detail. We reviewed the first 3 years' experience with OL and the process by which it was introduced into our residency program. Data were obtained from our prospective computerized surgical laparoscopic registry as well as from a survey conducted midway in this experience. At that time, a questionnaire was sent to current residents in the program and residents who graduated after the inception of the OL program were interviewed by telephone. OL cases increased each year and comprised a progressively greater percentage of total cases. Residents performed over 97% of cases, with attending surgeons as first assistants. Initially, only senior-level residents participated as surgeons; however, after the first year we noted a significant tendency for cases to filter down the ranks. Junior-level residents have already participated in more laparoscopic than open cholecystectomies and expressed considerable concern about training in open procedures. Graduated residents without exception were able to obtain privileges to perform OL without additional training. They did not feel that resident education was compromised by the advent of laparoscopy. Both current and graduated residents considered didactic sessions including animal laboratories and simulators an important part of training.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)