Problems leading to conversion in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

In prospective study, the various reasons for conversion in laparoscopic cholecystectomy were shown and recommended various measures to decrease the incidence of conversion and associated complications with this procedure. Fifty cases of conversion in laparoscopic cholecystectomy were studied in Dhaka Medical College Hospital & Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University from July 2002 to July 2004. The commonest cause of conversion was dense pericholecystic adhesion or unclear anatomy (24%). Next common cause was accidental injury to surrounding structures (18%) and uncontrolled bleeding (14%) and thick fibrosed gall bladder (14%). Other causes were gall bladder wall perforation (6%), carcinoma gall bladder (6%) and choledocholithiasis (6%), anatomic variation (4%), equipment failure (4%), cholecystoduodenal fistula (2%) and choledochal cyst (2%). Proper case selection, good laparoscopic skill and adequate experience of the surgeon are the prerequisites for safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy and thereby reducing conversion rate.