Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: use and preparation for Operation Desert Shield

While stationed at Winn army hospital, Fort Stewart, Georgia as backfill surgeons during the initial stages of Operation Desert Shield, we performed eight laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LC) over a 2 1/2 week period. Our patients included four active duty soldiers, three dependents, and one retiree. There were no complications. The average hospital stay was 2 days, and the average time to return to duty was 10 days for LC compared to 5 and 30 days, respectively, with standard cholecystectomy (SC). Performing LC whenever possible can return soldiers back to duty in one-third the time and greatly reduce health care costs by reducing the hospital stay.