Outcomes and Complications of Open Versus Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Patients Presenting with Cholelithiasis in Gujranwala Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Objective: The study aims to compare the frequency of complications associated with open versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients presenting with cholelithiasis.

Study Design: Comparative observational study Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Surgery, DHQ Hospital, Gujranwala from June 2022 till December 2023.

Methods: A total of 160 patients (80 in each group) meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled from the OPD. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups using a lottery method. Group A underwent laparoscopic 
cholecystectomy, while Group B underwent open surgery. Post-surgery, patients were monitored in the surgical ward until discharge and followed up in the OPD after 10 days for evaluation of wound infection, bile leakage, or pneumonia.

Results: In Group A, the mean age of patients was 44.60 ± 14.79 years, while in Group B, it was 44.35 ± 14.55 years. In Group A, 35 (43.8%) were male and 45 (56.3%) were female, while in Group B, 41 (51.2%) were male and 39 (48.8%) were female. The mean disease duration in Group A was 8.17 ± 2.61 years, compared to 7.93 ± 2.42 years in Group B. The frequency of wound infection was higher in Group B, with a significant association between wound infection and treatment group (p-value: 0.017). The frequency of bile leakage was higher in Group A, but no significant difference was observed (p-value: 0.385). Similarly, pneumonia infection was more frequent in Group B, with no significant difference (p-value: 0.222).

Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safer procedure compared to open cholecystectomy in patients with cholelithiasis.