RESUMO
To compare open cholecystectomy with laparoscopic cholecystectomy using latest variables of pulmonary functions as parameters. Randomized controlled trial. Department of Surgery, CMH Rawalpindi from May 2010 to Nov 2010. Patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis subjected to elective cholecystectomy were studied. The patients were divided into two groups. Open Cholecystectomy was performed on patients in group I, and laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in patients in group 11. Respiratory function tests were performed preoperatively and on the morning of the 1st post-operative day. Preoperative pulmonary function tests were normal and did not differ significantly between the two groups. After operation a significant reduction in the FEVl [Forced Expiratory Volume in first second], FEV6 [Forced expiratory volume in first six seconds] and their ratio FEVl/FEV6 occurred after both open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, mean reductions in FEV1, FEV6 and FEVl/FEV6 in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group were significantly [p <0.05] less as compared with those after open cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy causes less impairment of lung function than cholecystectomy performed through a subcostal incision