ABSTRACT
Gall stone disease is the most common biliary pathology and has plagued the mankind for over 2000 years. Since the National Institutes of Health Consensus Conference, in 1993, laparoscopic cholecystectomy has replaced open cholecystectomy as the gold standard in the treatment of patients with symptomatic gall stone disease. The present prospective study was conducted to evaluate and compare post- operative pulmonary dysfunction following laparoscopic and open cholecytectomy. A total of 60 patients, 30 each in laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy groups, respectively, were studied. Pulmonary function tests of the patients were determined by computerized spirometer, Medspiror, pre-operatively and post operatively on day 1 and day 6. Forced vital capacity (FVC), Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and Mid-expiratory flow(FEF-25-75%) were determined The ultimate outcome showed a gratifying trend towards laparoscopic cholecystectomy which is discussed in detail in the article. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy causes significantly less impairment of post-operative pulmonary function.