Safety of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in High Risk Patients

Background: Previous abdominal surgery has been reported as a contraindication related to laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: A total of 135 patients were distributed into group I (Gallstone, n = 50) and group II (Cholecystitis with a previous history of abdominal surgery or high risk patients, n = 85). The data were analyzed for open conversion rates, operative times, intra-and postoperative complications and hospital stay. Results: The patients were classified into the following 2 groups: group 1: patients without a history of previous abdominal surgery (n_50) and group 2: patients with risk factors related to LC (n_85). Patients in the control group (II) had a longer operating time (63 +/- 19.3 min vs. 52 +/- 25.4), a higher open conversion rate (4.7% vs. 2%), and a longer postoperative stay (1.8 +/- 1.6 days vs. 1.1 +/- 1.9) than group I, respectively. But, there was no significant difference between both the groups in characteristic variables. However, higher conversion rates as well as a longer hospital stay for patients with previous upper abdominal surgery than for those without previous upper abdominal surgery were detected in our study. Iatrogenic injury was not detected in both groups. Conclusions: Previous abdominal operations or high risk situations are not a contraindication to safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy.