Effect of laparoscopic cholecystectomy on platelet aggregation

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of laparoscopic cholecystectomy on platelet function. We operated on 40 women with symptomatic gallbladder stone, 20 of whom (study group) underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 20 of whom (control group) open cholecystectomy. Patients with a history of bleeding, abnormal platelet count, or systemic disorders and those who were on salicylates, heparin, or oral anticoagulants were excluded. Blood parameters were checked at the beginning and the end of the operation, including platelet aggregation using adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP), collagen, and ristocetin in a whole-blood aggregometer. Platelet aggregation was evaluated by percent aggregation. Platelet aggregation due to collagen and ristocetin increased significantly at the end of the operation in the study group (p < 0.001). Aggregation due to ADP did not differ significantly from the start to the end of the operation. Control group results did not show any differences. Although the clinical findings of aggregated platelet are not frequently observed in practice, we suggest that laparoscopy increases platelet aggregation.