Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Gallstones are common in Indian population and its treatment has shown a decisive shift from open to minimally invasive route. The studies published so far mention a high rate of complication and conversion in laparoscopic surgical treatment of acute cholecystitis. The study aimed to determine whether laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be recommended over open cholecystectomy as the procedure of choice for the treatment of cholecystitis with cholelithiasis. Methodology: In one surgical unit, 40 patients undergoing cholecystectomy were studied to compare patient recovery, subjective and objective pain experienced and complications after laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy. The data were collected prospectively where allocation to open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy was by consecutive attendance. Results: Comparison of two groups showed that intraoperative complications were more among laparoscopic surgery as compared to open surgery. Whereas post operative complications were reported higher among the open surgery cases .On comparing both the groups the comparison was although not statistically significant which can be due to less sample size. Post operative pain and analgesics used was also evaluated which was required less in laparoscopic group which statistically significant difference. Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was feasible in 90% of patients presenting with symptomatic gallstones. The purported advantages of laparoscopic surgery over conventional open techniques are less pain and faster return to normal functional status. It was safe with less post operative morbidity and was more cost effective as compared with the open surgery. Key words: Cholecystectomy, cholecystitis, laparoscopy.