Pre-operative Prediction of Difficulties in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Abstract

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is one of the most common laparoscopic procedures being performed by general surgeons all over the world. Preoperative prediction of the risk of conversion or difficulty of operation is an important aspect of planning laparoscopic surgery. The purpose of our prospective study was to analyze various risk factors and to predict difficulty and degree of difficulty preoperatively by the use of a scoring system. Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate a Scoring system to predict difficult laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. Patients and Methods: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was done in the department of surgery, EL Hussin University Hospital. The parameters considered in the preoperative scoring method were old age, male sex, history of hospitalization, obesity, previous abdominal surgery scar, and palpable gall bladder, wall thickness of gall bladder, pericholecystic collection and impacted stone. A total of 50 patients were included in the study. Results: We found that history of hospitalization; palpable gall bladder, impacted stone and gall bladder wall thickness were statistically significant factors for prediction of difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Conversion rate from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy was found to be 4%. Conclusion: High risk patient may be informed beforehand regarding the probability of conversion and hence they may have a chance to make arrangements. Surgeons can also be aware about the possible complications that may arise in high risk patients.