Open and mini cholecystectomy [comparative study]

ABSTRACT

Cholelithiasis is the most common biliary pathology. Patients complain of recurrent attacks of epigastric or right hypochondrial pain, often radiating to the right side of back, associated with nausea and vomiting. To compare the 2 procedures i.e. conventional and mini cholecystectomy regarding postoperative pain, hospital stay and cosmetics. The study was carried out in Nishtar Hospital, Multan from May 2006 to June 2007. A total of 60 cases [30 cases underwent conventional cholecystectomy and other 30 cases underwent mini cholecystectomy]. Out of 60 patients, 18 [30%] were of < 40 years, 18 [30%] between 41-50 years and remaining 24 [40%] were of > 50 years. 48 [80%] patients were female while 12 [20%] were male. Among 30 patients of conventional cholecystectomy average hospital stay was 6.5 days while among 30 patients of mini-cholecystectomy average hospital stay was 3.3 days. Among 30 patients of conventional cholecystectomy severe postoperative pain was found in 18 [60%], moderate postoperative pain in 9 [30%] while mild postoperative pain in 3 [10%] of patients. In remaining 30 patients of mini-cholecystectomy severe postoperative pain was found in 12 [40%], moderate postoperative pain in 6 [20%] while mild postoperative pain in 12 [40%] of patients. Among 30 patients undergoing conventional cholecystectomy, all the patients developed bad looking scar while in remaining 30 patients undergoing mini-cholecystectomy, all patients developed good looking scar. Mini-cholecystectomy is associated with less patients discomfort and decreased incidence of postoperative complications, short hospital stay, good cosmetic results. Mini-cholecystectomy also has the advantage that it neither requires expensive new equipment nor the acquisition of novel skills by the surgeon