CLINICAL EVALUATION OF LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY WITH REFERENCE TO CONVERSION RATE AND COMPLICATIONS- OUR EXPERIENCE IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE OF EASTERN INDIA

Abstract

Cholelithiasis is one of the most common surgical conditions requiring intervention worldwide. Since its introduction nearly four decades ago, laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the gold standard of treatment for gallstone disease AIM: To critically evaluate our experience of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a tertiary care centre of eastern India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hospital based observational study on 180 patients subjected to elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy with features of gall stone disease and meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: Our conversion rate of 10% is somewhat higher than that reported in any other series. This probably reflects that few of our surgeons are in their early learning curve. This can be reduced with the experience of the surgeons. A bile duct injury rate of 0.5% compares favourably with an incidence of 0-1% in several large series. Overall complication rate of 5.5% also compares favourably with an incidence of 1.6-8.6% in several large series. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy when performed in properly selected patients is very much effective in the treatment of symptomatic cholelithiasis – in terms of earlier return of bowel function, less postoperative pain, improved cosmesis, shorter length of hospital stay, earlier return of full activity and decreased overall cost. It is vital for the surgeons and patients to understand that conversion to open surgery is not failure; in fact, it implies a safe approach and a sound surgical judgment. The conversion rate is low with experienced surgeons indicating direct relationship between experience and conversion. It should be stressed that conversion if required should be done early rather than after an imminent complication.