Objective:

Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy could be an alternative to open cholecystectomy if the anatomy of the gallbladder is not suitable for total cholecystectomy. The purpose of this study was to share our experience in difficult cholecystectomies.

Material and Methods:

The records of 2250 patients, who underwent cholecystectomy in the General Surgery Department of Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, between January 2008 and July 2015, were evaluated retrospectively. One hundred and thirteen patients, who underwent emergency laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy or conversion cholecystectomy, were included in our study. Demographic characteristics of the patients, length of hospital and intensive care unit stays and complications were assessed.

Results:

Patients who underwent laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy 48 (42.47%) and conversion cholecystectomy 65 (57.52%) were statistically compared. No statistically significant difference was determined between the laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy and conversion cholecystectomy groups regarding major and minor complications (p>0.05). There was statistically significant difference in terms of length of hospital and intensive care unit stay (p=0.001, p<0.01 and p=0.001, p<0.01, respectively).

Conclusion:

Total cholecystectomy should be pursued due to the complications of laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy, but if it is not possible, laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy is a safe and effective alternative.

Keywords: Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy, conversion cholecystectomy, complication