prospective analysis of 100 laparoscopic cholecystectomies at Lahore general hospital

ABSTRACT

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is rapidly replacing the open cholecystectomy. Within 12 months period, a total of 100 patients had laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our unit. The operation was successfully completed in 92 patients and converted to open operation in 8%. There was no death. The morbidity rate was low [total 11.0%, bleeding 4.0%, minor bile duct injury 1.0%, bile leakage 3.0%, wound infection 3.0%]. Mean operating time significantly improved from 1st 33 patients to last 33 patients, indicating a rapid learning curve. Direct insertion of trocar instead of using veress needle was employed in most cases thus considerably reducing the operating time without adding any morbidity. The mean hospital stay was 2 days. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and effective procedure that can be performed with a minimal risk by surgeons familiar with biliary anatomy. Complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be minimized by early elective conversion to open operation if difficulty arises