Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: analytical study of 1208 cases

To review our experience and to compare it with similar series published in the literature with emphasis on the safety, the rate of conversion, the mortality and the morbidity of the procedure.

From January 1994 to February 2003, the files of 1208 cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy were retrospectively analyzed; the technique of surgery as well as the associated co-morbid conditions, the rate of conversion to open cholecystectomy, and the morbidity and mortality was analyzed and compared to other series. Simple descriptive statistics were used.

The average age was 47.2 +/- 15.1 years (4-94), there were 878 (72.7%) females and 330 (27.3%) males. Of this series 20 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy while pregnant, 576 (48%) of the patients had co-morbid conditions. Conversion to open cholecystectomy was required in 32 (2.6%) cases and 25 (2.1%) patients had complications but no single biliary tract injury was noted. One patient died and his death was not directly related to the procedure. The average hospital stay was 2.8 (0.5-35) days.

With patience and meticulous technique laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the third millennium is safer and quicker than open cholecystectomy. Our results compare favorably with those published to date.