GS28P LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY FOR OBESE PATIENTS

Abstract

Background Laparoscopic surgery is often perceived to be more difficult for obese patients. Middlemore Hospital has unique patient population with high prevalence of obesity. This is a pilot study to compare the outcome of obese and non‐obese patients who had laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our institution. Our hypothesis is that obese patients do not suffer more adverse postoperative outcome.Methods We reviewed all patients undergoing acute and elective cholecystectomy from January 2004 to December 2006, 100 obese patients were identified. The control group consists of 100 non‐obese patients matched for age, sex and type of admission. Outcome assessed includes length of recovery period, complication and conversion rate.Results Over the three year period there were 1400 cholecystectomies, of which 96% were commenced laparoscopically. Overall conversion rate was 3.8%. The obese group has increased rate of wound complication (10% vs 2%, p = 0.037) and conversion rate (8% vs 3.5%, p = 0.28). The two study groups have similar median length of postoperative stay of 4 days.Conclusion This confirms our hypothesis that it is safe for obese patients to have laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However there is increased risk of conversion and wound complication.