Complications of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A study of 1100 cases at Sukkur, Pakistan

Objective To determine the incidence of various complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Patients and Methods This observational case series study was conducted at Sukkur Blood Bank Hospital Sukkur, GMC Teaching Hospital Sukkur and Red Crescent Hospital Sukkur from January 2004 to December 2010. It comprised of 1100 cases. All had routine investigations, Liver function tests and ultrasound abdomen. The patients who underwent LC, whether successful or converted, were included in this study. The procedure was carried out by standard four port technique. Clinical examination, investigations, operative time, postoperative complications, reasons for conversion and hospital stay were recorded on proforma. Results The average age was 47.63 years while male to female ratio 1: 4.6. The weight ranged from 41 to 127 kg (mean 64 kg). Main complications observed were hemorrhage (3.18%), bile duct injury (0.27%), retained CBD stones (0.18%), bile leakage (1.19%) and gut injury (0.09%). Minor complications included gallbladder perforation (9.82%), spilled stones (3.9%), sub umbilical wound infection (1.6%) and illeus (1.3%). Overall conversion rate was 2.9%. Conclusion The morbidity and mortality of LC are remarkably low. Incidence of complication is very low and less than open cholecystectomy, which makes this procedure safe, effective and procedure of choice for gallbladder disease.