Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in cirrhotic patient

Cholecystectomy is associated with increased risk in patients with liver cirrhosis. Moreover, cirrhosis and portal hypertension have been considered relative or absolute contraindication to laparoscopic cholecystectomy. As experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy increased, we decided to treat cirrhotic patients via this approach. Between January 1994 and April 1995, nine patients with a Child-Pugh's stage A cirrhosis underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiography. There was no significant per- or post-operative bleeding and no blood transfusion was necessary. There was no mortality and very low morbidity. Median hospital stay was 3 days. This series suggests that well-compensated cirrhosis can not be considered a contraindication to laparoscopic cholecystectomy.