| Abstract: | ![]()
Background: Laparoscopic clolecystectomy is now the most appropriate treatment for most patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis (S‐Chole). However, the management of patients with asymptomatic cholelithiasis (A‐Chole) remains controversial. Our research is aimed at determining whether laparoscopic cholecystectomy for patients with A‐Chole is safer, more effective and more convenient than laparoscopic cholecystectomy for patients with S‐Chole. Methods: We retrospectively conducted a review of 254 patients with A‐Chole who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in an effort to compare the intraoperative course, postoperative recovery and morbidity and mortality with 432 patients with S‐Chole who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Results: The mean operative time in the A‐Chole group was significantly shorter than that in the S‐Chole group at 92.1 min versus 106.0 min, respectively. The mean intraoperative blood loss was not significantly different between the two groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups, regarding the postoperative recovery. Conversion rate to open laparotomy in the A‐Chole group was significantly lower than that in the S‐Chole group, at 1.57% versus 4.6%, respectively. The morbidity rates were 4.72% in the A‐Chole group and 8.80% in the S‐Chole group, the morbidity rate in the A‐Chole group being significantly lower than that in the S‐Chole group. There was no death in the A‐Chole group. Gallbladder cancer was incidentally diagnosed in two patients with A‐Chole after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. They underwent an additional operation and were alive with no recurrence. Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for patients with A‐Chole is a safe procedure with a low rate of morbidity and mortality. |
