Gallbladder perforation and stone spillage during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

ABSTRACT

To determine the frequency of gallbladder perforation and stone spillage during laparoscopic cholecystectomy [LC], and its subsequent complication and management. Descriptive case-series. This is a prospective analysis of laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed at Surgical Unit I, Civil Hospital Karachi, from 1st September 1997 to I5th June 2005. There were 1246 patients in the study, who underwent LC. The inclusion criteria for LC were patients of all ages and both sexes, symptomatic gallstone disease, recurrent attack while waiting for interval LC, normal levels of blood complete picture and liver function tests, and ultrasound abdomen demonstrating gallstone disease. There were 107 cases of gallbladder perforation, ie a frequency of 8.59%. In 24 of these patients gallstones spillage also occurred, ie a frequency of 1.92%. An effort was made in each case to remove the spilled stones laparoscopically, but in seven patients unretrieved stones were left [ie a frequency of 0.56%]. One patient developed pelvic abscess, presenting with post-operative diarrhea and fever on day 5 and confirmed by ultrasound; it was left to drain in the rectum and treated by broad-spectrum antibiotics. Four patients developed sub-hepatic abscess, presenting with right hypochondria! and shoulder tip pain and fever on day 3; they were confirmed by ultrasound, with subsequent ultrasound guided drainage and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Three patients developed epigastric port site infection; two were treated successfully by daily wound care and appropriate antibiotics after culture and sensitivity. One developed persistent epigastric sinus, and a gallstone was retrieved on exploration. There was no mortality and long-tertn morbidity. Gallbladder perforation and stone spillage are frequent occurrence during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Active laparoscopic retrieval of spilled stones and thorough irrigation of sub-hepatic area reduces the risk of subsequent complications