Our Summary
This study looked at the outcomes of a surgical procedure called laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) done at Dhulikhel Hospital over seven years. This procedure, which involves removing the gallbladder, is the best treatment for non-cancerous gallbladder diseases.
The researchers reviewed the records of all patients who had this procedure at the hospital from 2015 to 2021. They gathered information such as the patients’ age, gender, why they had the surgery, how long they stayed in the hospital, and if there were any instances where the less invasive LC had to be switched to a traditional open surgery.
They found that out of 2106 patients, more were female (72.27%) than male (27.73%), with the average patient age being 40. The most common reason for having the surgery was symptomatic cholelithiasis, a condition where gallstones cause symptoms like pain, which was found in 82.62% of patients. The average hospital stay was three days. In 24 cases, doctors had to switch from the LC to the traditional open surgery.
The researchers concluded that LC is the best treatment for non-cancerous gallbladder diseases. It’s safe to perform as day surgery, which could help reduce costs and hospital stay lengths, and clear up long waiting lists in low to middle-income countries.
FAQs
- What is a laparoscopic cholecystectomy and why is it performed?
- What were the key findings of the study conducted at Dhulikhel Hospital on laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
- In what circumstances did doctors have to switch from laparoscopic cholecystectomy to traditional open surgery according to the study?
Doctor’s Tip
One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic cholecystectomy is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, such as fasting before the surgery and stopping certain medications as advised. This will help ensure a successful procedure and smooth recovery. Additionally, it’s important to discuss any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider before the surgery to alleviate any anxiety and ensure you have a clear understanding of the procedure and what to expect afterwards.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic cholecystectomy include those with symptomatic cholelithiasis (gallstones causing symptoms like pain), acute cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), biliary dyskinesia (gallbladder motility disorder), or other non-cancerous gallbladder diseases. Additionally, patients who are fit for surgery and do not have contraindications such as severe liver disease or bleeding disorders may also be recommended for this procedure.
Timeline
Before the laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure, a patient typically experiences symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and bloating, which are indicative of gallbladder disease. The patient may undergo diagnostic tests such as ultrasound or CT scans to confirm the presence of gallstones or other issues with the gallbladder.
After the procedure, the patient may experience some pain and discomfort at the incision sites, which are typically smaller and less painful compared to traditional open surgery. The patient is usually able to resume normal activities within a few days to a week, with a quicker recovery time compared to open surgery. The patient may be advised to follow a special diet for a period of time to help the body adjust to the absence of the gallbladder.
Overall, laparoscopic cholecystectomy offers a safe and effective treatment option for patients with non-cancerous gallbladder diseases, with minimal scarring, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times compared to open surgery.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about laparoscopic cholecystectomy include:
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with this procedure?
- How long will the recovery process take, and what can I expect during the recovery period?
- Will I need to follow any specific dietary or lifestyle changes after the surgery?
- Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
- How experienced are you in performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and what is your success rate?
- What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure, and are there any potential side effects?
- Will I need to undergo any additional tests or evaluations before the surgery?
- How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the procedure?
- What should I do if I experience any complications or unusual symptoms after the surgery?
- Will I need to schedule any follow-up appointments or tests after the surgery?
Reference
Authors: Shakya YR , Manandhar A , Laudari U , Patel JN , Karmacharya RM , Sah S , Malla B , Shrestha B , Maharjan S , Dahal A . Journal: Kathmandu Univ Med J (KUMJ). 2023 Oct.-Dec.;21(84):359-362. PMID: 39212007