Clinical Analysis of 500 Consecutive Laparoscopic Cholecystectomies

Kim, Jae Jin; Jeong, Joon Heon; Chung, Il Dong

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the standard treatment of benign gallbladder disease. It requires the skill of a trained surgeon, and its safe performance. The advantages of laparoscopy are less postoperative pain, absence of cosmetic damage, shorter recovery times, and decreased length of hospital stays compared with conventional open surgery.
METHODS
We reviewed 500 consecutive laparoscopic cholecystectomies retrospectively at the department of general surgery of Maryknoll Hospital from February 1992 to May 1999.
RESULTS
There were 175 males and 325 females(M:F=1:1.86) with ages ranged from 21 to 78 years (mean: 50.0 year). Preoperatively, 72 patients underwent endoscopic retrograde cholagiography and 7 patients underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy due to common bile duct stone. Mean operation time was 73.7 minutes. Operative cholangiogram was attempted in 8 patients. Conversion to open cholecystectomy during operation was done in 8 cases(1.6%) and leading causes were severe adhesion, uncontrolled bleeding, suspected malignancy, bile duct injury. Operative Complications occured in 18 patients(3.6%): bile duct injury 1, postoperative bleeding 1, bile leakage 4,subcutaneous emphysema 1, abdominal wall hematoma 3, wound infection 8. There was no operative mortality. The length of hospital stay ranged from 2 to 15 day with average of 4.7 day.
CONCLUSION
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and effective operation in patients with benign gallbladder diseases.