Non-Haemolytic Childhood Cholelithiasis Managed Laparoscopically: A Report Of 15 Cases.

Abstract

A retrospective review of the patients with childhood cholelithiasis managed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy at NEIGRIHMS Hospital in North East India between January 2009 and December 2012 was done. Data reviewed were the following - patient demographics, clinical history, hematological studies, imaging studies, operative techniques, postoperative complications and recovery and also the final histopathological diagnosis from the gallbladder specimen. During the study period of 3 years, 15 children (all females) were managed in the department of surgery of this hospital by laparoscopic cholecystectomy and none of the patients had any history suggestive of any hemolytic disorders. The mean age was 7.6 years (range 3 to 14 years). Pigment stones were found in eight of the patients and the remaining seven patients had mixed stones. The mean duration of operation was 45 mins (range 30- 60 mins). No significant postoperative complications occurred in any of the patients. The average duration of hospital stay was 2 days (range 2 - 4 days). The incidence of cholelithiasis in children is not very common, but non- hemolytic causes may also lead to gallstone formation as in adult population. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a very safe and efficacious management option for cholelithiasis in children.