Laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy: a retrospective study of 40 cases

Abstract

Introduction: Throughout the world, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a widely accepted surgical treatment for both acute and chronic cholecystitis. It provides total relief of pre-surgical symptoms in up to 85% of patients. However, about 5% of patients may experience severe episodes of upper abdominal pain similar to those that they had prior to cholecystectomy; this is known as post-cholecystectomy syndrome. Gallbladder remnant with calculi is one of the causative factors. However, there have been only a few case series related to this reported in literature to date. Herein, we present our experience with laparoscopic management of gallbladder remnant with calculi in 40 cases.

Methods: A retrospective study of 40 cases was carried out in our institution. All patients underwent open cholecystectomy at other centres, and their cases were managed by laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy.

Results: The mean operating time was 102.4 min (range, 60-120 min). The duration of hospital stay was 2-4 days. Two cases were converted to open surgery because of extensive dense adhesions. One case had minor a common bile duct injury, and another had port-site infection. There were no cases of mortality.

Conclusion: Gallbladder remnant containing stones may be the cause of otherwise unexplained postcholecystectomy pain. Completion cholecystectomy offers a definitive treatment for any residual gallbladder remnant and can be performed laparoscopically.