[Laparoscopic versus open cholecystectomy: reaction in the liver bed]

The aim of this study was to compare the incidence, size and localisation of adhesion formation following open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy and to determine immune and foreign body reactions in the liver bed. The experimental animals were divided into two groups: open (OC) versus laparoscopic (LC) cholecystectomy. In the 14th postoperative day the animals were reoperated, types and size of adhesion were measured and tissue samples were extracted from the liver bed for histology. Dense, curtain-like adhesions were formed in OC group. The adhesions developed not only in the operation area but also on other organs. The thread used to ligate the cystic duct and cystic artery caused foreign body reaction, which resulted in granuloma formation. Numerous macrophages, histiocyte giant cell reactions were also present in OC group. Considerable fibrosis was also observed in the majority of the animals. Slender adhesion formation formed after LC. It was mostly detected in the liver bed. Foreign body granulomas around the laparoscopic clips did not develop in the cases. Moderate inflammatory reactions were noticeable. Laparoscopic operative technique is less traumatic. Its advantage over the open technique is lower adhesion rate and better immune function and reaction. This operation technique is less immunosuppressive and development of adhesions is less compared to OC.