Evaluation of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in cirrhotic patients

Abstract

Background: Traditionally cholecystectomy in cirrhotic patients is restricted to severe biliary disease, because of high morbidity and mortality following the procedure. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) was originally contraindicated in cirrhotic patients because of associated portal hypertension and coagulopathy. Patients and methods: Fifty cirrhotic patients underwent LC in Ain Shams University Hospital from January 2007 till December 2008. Results: There were no mortalities in our group. Mean age was 45.6 years and mean operative time was 74.5 min. Conversion to open cholecystectomy occured in 12 patients (24%). Postoperative complications occurred in 9 patients (18%). Mean hospital stay was 3.4 days in Child A and 6.8 days in Child B. Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed safely in cirrhotic patients with well compensated liver functions.