Open versus laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy in patients with previous open partial cholecystectomy: a...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Innovation
• Biliary System Surgery

Background:

• Persistent symptoms post-cholecystectomy may stem from retained gallstones.
• Completion cholecystectomy is a treatment option for these cases.
• Outcomes of open versus laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy after initial open partial procedures are not well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare perioperative outcomes of open versus laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy.
• To evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic approach after prior open partial cholecystectomy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 80 patients undergoing completion cholecystectomy.
• Comparison between 40 open and 40 laparoscopic cases following initial open partial cholecystectomy.

Main Results:

• Laparoscopic approach resulted in shorter operative time, earlier oral intake, and shorter hospitalization.
• Open approach was associated with a 20% wound infection rate, not seen in laparoscopy (P=0.003).
• Common presentations included abdominal pain, dyspepsia, stump cholecystitis, or jaundice.

Conclusions:

• Prior open partial cholecystectomy does not preclude successful laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy.
• Laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy demonstrates superior perioperative outcomes compared to the open approach.