Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Cirrhotic Patients

Abstract

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has become the procedure of choice in
symptomatic gallstones. However its safety and efficacy in cirrhotic patients is less well
documented. This study was conducted to compare the results of LC in cirrhotics and non
cirrhotics.
Methods: Between January 2001 to Dec 2007, a total of 488 Laparoscopic Cholecystectomies
were performed, among them 52 patients were cirrhotic who had well compensated disease
(Child's class A or B) with symptomatic gallstones and were not responding to conservative
treatment. Postoperative complications and conversion rate was analyzed in both cirrhotic and
non cirrhotic patients who underwent LC.
Results: There was no operative mortality and no intraoperative or postoperative complication
seen. However the rate of conversion from LC to open Cholecystectomy was higher (i.e; 8%) in
cirrhotic patients than non cirrhotics (4%). The average time for surgery in cirrhotic patients was 83
minutes while in non cirrhotics was 60 minutes. The mean hospital stay is almost same i.e; 2 days.
Conclusion: Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is as safe in cirrhotic patients as in non cirrhotics
especially of Child's class A & B. These patients had the same recovery time and mean hospital
stay; moreover complications can be nil in experienced hands.