CHOLECYSTECTOMY: LAPAROSCOPIC OR MINILAPAROTOMY!

Abstract

The differences between the methods of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and minilaparotomy cholecystectomy was examined. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy have replaced the conventional surgery. Minilaparotomy cholecystectomy is suggested as an alternative method with its various characteristics. Between 1992-1996, the records of 250 patients with symptomatic gallstone disease treated by laparoscopic and minilaparotomy cholecystectomy were reviewed. The study design was retrospective, Student's t, Fischer exact and chi square tests were used to determine differences between the various factors used in the study. Statistical significance was considered at p<0.05. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC) and mini cholecystectomy(MC) was performed to 183 and 67 patients respectively. The mean operation time was found shorter in MC group than LC group (55 to 70 min.) (p<0.001). The rate of conversion to open surgery (%3.8 to %4.4), the rate of complications (%10.7 to %10.4), the time to oral diet (the first day in both group), postoperative analgesic requirement and hospital stay (1.8 to 2.2 day) were similar in both LC and MC groups (p>0.05). Because of low morbidity and mortality rates of LC and MC, these methods could be used according to surgeon's self preference in the treatment of gallstone disease.