Laparoscopic versus open extended cholecystectomy with bi-segmentectomy (s4b and s5) in patients with gallbladder cancer

Introduction: The outcome of laparoscopic extended cholecystectomy (EC) with wedge hepatic resection (LECW) in patients with gallbladder cancer (GBC) has been compared with that of open EC with wedge hepatic resection (OECW), but studies comparing laparoscopic EC with bi-segmentectomy (LECB) with open EC with bi-segmentectomy (OECB) are lacking. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study comprised of 68 patients with GBC who were offered either LECB or OECB from July 2011 to July 2018. Patients were divided into laparoscopic group (LG) and open group (OG), and appropriate statistical methods were used for comparison. Results: Out of the total 68 patients, 30 patients were in LG and 38 patients were in OG. Demographic, clinical and biochemical characteristics were similar except significantly higher number of male patients in OG (P = 0.01). In LG versus OG, the mean operation time was 286 versus 274 min (P = 0.565), mean blood loss was 158 versus 219 ml (P = 0.006) and mean hospital stay was 6.4 versus 9 days (P = 0.0001). The complication rate was 16.6% in LG and 31.5% in OG, but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.259). The median number of lymph nodes was 12 in both LG and OG (P = 0.62). Distribution of patients among American Joint Committee on Cancer stages I to IV was similar in both the groups (P = 0.5). Fifty percent of the patients in both the groups received adjuvant treatment (P = 1). In LG versus OG, the recurrence rate was 20% versus 28.9% (P = 0.4), mean recurrence-free survival was 48 months versus 44 months (P = 0.35) and overall survival was 51 months versus 46 months (P = 0.45). In LG versus OG, 1, 3 and 5-year survival was 96% versus 94%, 79% versus 72% and 79% versus 62% (P = 0.45). The median follow-up was statistically significantly shorter (24 vs. 36 months) in LG versus OG (P = 0.0001). Conclusions: The oncological outcome and survival after LECB in patients with resectable GBC is not inferior to that after OECB. Laparoscopic approach has a potential to improve perioperative outcome in patients with GBC.