Pain and pulmonary dysfunction after cholecystectomy: open versus laparoscopic

ABSTRACT

Pain and pulmonary dysfunction were studied in 15 patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy [LC] and compared with those in 15 patients after traditional open cholecystectomy [OC]. Studies performed pre-surgery and 24 hours after surgery included forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in 1 S [FEVI], and forced expiratory flow [FEF 25% - 75%] via a standard spirometry and arterial blood gases. Postoperative pain scores and analgesic requirements were also recorded. FVC, FEV1 and FEF 25% - 75% values after LC significantly exceeded those after OC. This study showed that LC is associated with less postoperative pain and pulmonary dysfunction than OC