Laparoscopic management of acute cholecystitis: Prognostic factors for success

A. Bickel, A. Rappaport, V. Kanievski, I. Vaksman, M. Haj, N. Geron, A. Eitan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

72 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis is considered feasible and safe, but it is associated with a higher rate of conversion to laparotomy than elective cholecystectomy because of technical reasons and anatomical changes related to the inflammatory process. The value of several factors that might influence its successful completion has not been studied completely yet, including the role of residents in operating such cases under attending-surgeon surveillance. Methods: In a retrospective nonrandomized study, the medical charts of 182 patients that were operated for acute cholecystitis (94 of whom via the laparoscopic approach) were studied. The study was also conducted to study the effect of residents as operators. Results: Male sex, duration of right upper abdominal pain, and the severity of the inflammatory process have all been significantly and independently correlated with increased conversion rate to laparotomy. Operation time was not longer than that of the open approach, and hospital stay and complication rate were lower. Operations performed by residents were associated with twofold conversion rate to laparotomy, without increased complication rate (p < 0.012). Conclusions: Laparoscopic management of acute cholecystitis is feasible and safe. Considering the factors discussed above, lowering the threshold for conversion is necessary in selected cases to maintain low morbidity rate. Integrating laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis into surgical residency should be studied.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1045-1049
Number of pages5
JournalSurgical Endoscopy and Other Interventional Techniques
Volume10
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1996
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Acute cholecystitis
  • Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
  • Laparoscopy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Laparoscopic management of acute cholecystitis: Prognostic factors for success'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this