RESUMO
To study the complications, conversion rate and hospital stay during the initial experience with the laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A case series. Chandka Medical College Hospital, Larkana - Sindh from March 2003 to February 2004. Total 100 patients suffering from symptomatic gallstone disease were admitted for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Out of 100 laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed, 85 [85%] patients were females and 15 [15%] males. Age range was 25 to 70 years. Only 8 [8%] patients were converted to open surgery. Mean operative time was 60 minutes. Post-operative hospital stay was 24 to 48 hours for uncomplicated cases. Post-operative complications included biliary leakage 3% minor and 1% major, duodenal perforation 1% and port site infection 8%. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the ideal procedure for gallstone disease. However, the complications and conversion rate can be minimized by the appropriate training and experience