Can we predict the risk of conversion in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

Aim: Cholecystectomy is one of the most common operations. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the golden standard. Yet, conversion to open cholecystectomy is necessary in some patients. However, conversion maybe associated with increased complications and operation time.

Material And Methods: The files of 1224 patients patients underwent scheduled elective cholecystectomy were reviewed in a retrospective cohort study. The files of patients who underwent open cholecystectomy operations during the same period were also examined. The demographic data, medical history, operation notes and reasons of conversion were evaluated.

Results: The total number of patients who were initiated a laparoscopic operation but converted to open cholecystectomy was 28 (2.28%). A total of 89 patients underwent open cholecystectomy including converted cases. In the regression analysis age, adhesions, edema in the gallbladder, bleeding, previous scar tissue were found to be significantly related to conversion, while sex and higher BMI were not.

Conclusion: Conversion from laparoscopic to open operations may be inevitable at times. Effort must be done to predict the cases which need conversion to reduce potential complications.

Key Words: Conversion, Complication, Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, Open Cholecystectomy.