A nationwide study of conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Conversion Rates Two Decades Later

“…Another patient-specific risk factor for conversion was advanced age. 5–8,26 In the current study, the CR in the older patient group (>50 years old) was nearly 6-fold higher than in younger patients. Previous findings have found 2- to 4-fold higher CRs in older patients.…”

“…2,3,7,8 In fact, the published national averages for CR ranges between 5% to 10%, which is consistent with the CR of 4.9% in the current study. 5 A review of the literature on LC reveals that the risk of laparoscopic conversion is associated with specific patient- and surgeon-specific factors. 4,7,17–19 To date, patient-specific risk factors for open conversion have been extensively evaluated, 4–7,13–15,20 whereas surgeon-specific factors remain poorly assessed.…”

“…One such risk factor, the male gender, is associated with a higher likelihood of conversion, which may be due to the more frequent association of pathologically severe disease. 5,7,19 Data derived from the National Hospital Discharge database by Livingston et al 5 revealed that males with acute cholecystitis incurred a higher risk of conversion (2.5%) than their female counterparts (1.5%). Further, Lein et al 19 also noted that acute cholecystitis has a disproportionately higher incidence in males compared with the proportion undergoing cholecystectomy.…”

“…3,4 Approximately 75% of all cholecystectomies are performed laparoscopically, and conversion to the open procedure ranges from 5% to 10% nationwide. 5 The NIH postulated that the outcome of LCs would be greatly influenced by surgeon-specific factors, such as training, experience, skill and judgment. 2 In addition, numerous patient and disease-related factors, such as male gender, obesity, old age (>65), prior abdominal surgery, acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, and anomalous anatomy have been reported as significant risk factors for conversion to the open procedure.…”

“…2 In addition, numerous patient and disease-related factors, such as male gender, obesity, old age (>65), prior abdominal surgery, acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, and anomalous anatomy have been reported as significant risk factors for conversion to the open procedure. 5–8 …”