An Audit of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

Abstract

Objective: Gallstones is a common problem, particularly among women .In modern medicine, uncomplicatedgall stones are usually treated with Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy “Key-hole Surgery” .It carries significantlylower morbidity and mortality as compared to open surgery . At Muhammad Medical College Hospital (MMCH)we have started the procedure in recent years. .Aims: To look into various demographic and clinic aspects of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy done at MMCH.Methods: Retrospective audit of record of last consecutive 99 patients undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy at MMCH. Research Ethics Committee approval was obtained (No.250811/REC/003).Results: 33 Men and 66 women underwent this procedure. Average age was 45 year (range 16 to 75). Commonest presenting symptoms were Nausea/vomiting (n=36) and abdominal discomfort /pain (n=36). All patientshad pre-procedure ultrasound scan showing gall stones .At surgery, 99/99 were confirmed to have gallstones .Although 9 also had adhesions, 6 were acutely inflamed and 3 had empyema gall bladder. There were 2conversions Average duration of stay in hospital after procedure was 9 days (range 3 to 20). 2 patients hadwound infection and 3 atelectasis. No mortality was seen.Conclusions: Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is a safe procedure for gall stones disease.Keywords: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, conversion rate morbidity.