Missed pathology following laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a cause for concern?

Although many have recorded the incidence of complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, few have discussed the possibility of missing intra-abdominal pathology after this procedure. We have evaluated the first two years, September 1990-September 1992, of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our community. Readmissions within 10 months of the original surgery with another diagnosis similar to gallbladder disease were considered "missed pathology" at the original surgical procedure. For the first 12-month period, 465 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed. Seventy-seven patients were readmitted, with 13 of these patients having other intra-abdominal pathology. These readmissions were for carcinoma (6), inflammatory bowel disease (2), diverticular disease, esophageal varices, and appendicitis. In the second year 429 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed; 59 patients were readmitted, with 10 of these patients having other intra-abdominal pathology. These readmissions were for carcinoma (3), inflammatory bowel disease (2), strongyloides, peptic ulcer disease, and abdominal pain of unknown etiology (3). Although intra-abdominal pathology was found in only 2%-5% of all patients having surgery for gallbladder disease, of the patients who were readmitted for "missed pathology," 46% the first year and 30% the second year were readmitted for carcinomas. Several other diseases were found in patients whose symptoms mimicked gallbladder disease. It is therefore possible that in the zeal to perform a new procedure, other diagnoses may be overlooked.