Feasibility and outcomes of 3-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the pediatric population

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this retrospective study was to describe our experience with 3-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a total 20 pediatric patients. Method: Data on patient demographics, indication for cholecystectomy, surgical technique, operative time (minutes), complications and length of hospital stay (LOS, day) were recorded. Result: Mean (SD) operative time was 44.8 (9.5, range: 30.0-60.0) minutes and LOS was 2.1(1.2, range: 1.0-5.0) days. Surgery was successful in all patients without development of major complications. Apart from significantly shorter operative time in patients with cholelithiasis than those with other indications for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (median 42.2 vs. 55.0 min, p=0.001), no significant difference was noted in age, operative time and LOS with respect to gender or indications. Conclusion: Our findings indicate safety and efficacy and feasibility of 3-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the pediatric population, regardless of indication or gender along with significant advantages regarding the operative time, complication rates and hospital stay.