Comparison of the Clinical Results for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Versus Open Cholecystectomy

ABSTRACT

We compared 30 cases that had a laparoscopic cholecystectomy(L.C.) with 30 cases which revealed chronic cholecystitis on biopsy among the patients who had a standard open cholecystectomy(O.C.). The patients were treated at the Department of Surgery, Saint Columban Hospital, Mokpo, Korea, from January 1995 to July 1996. The results from the 60 patients are as follows 1) The ratio of males to females was 12 in the L.C. group and 10.8 in the O.C. group. The prevalent age was the 6th decade in both groups. 2) Associated diseases were seen in 22 cases(73%) in the L.C. group and 20 cases(67%) in the O.C. group. 3) There were 6 cases(20%) of previous abdominal operations in the L.C. group and 7 cases(23%) in the O.C. group. 4) The mean operation time was 139.8+/-35.7 minutes in the L.C. group and 155.3+/-34.4 minutes in the O.C. group. 5) The mean hospital stay after the operation was shorter in the L.C. group(range 4~7 days) than in the O.C. group(range8~12 days). 6) Postoperative complications occurred in 2 cases(7%) in the L.C. group and 8 cases(27%) in the O.C. group. 7) The conversion rate from a laparoscopic cholecystectomy to an open cholecystectomy was 21%(8 cases). 8) Problem experienced during the laparoscopic cholecystectomy were bleeding at the operative field(4 cases), stone drop from gallbladder(3 cases), and bile leakage(1 case). 9) The time until postoperative oral intake was 2 postoperative days in the L.C. group and 4 postoperative days in the O.C. group. 10) The average duration of postoperative pain was 2.6+/-0.6 days in the L.C. group and 4.3+/-1.3 days in the O.C. group. 11) The average duration of narcotic requirement was 2.4+/-0.6 days in the L.C. group and 3.8+/-1.8 days in the O.C group.