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Published in: Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery 4/2016

01-06-2016 | ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Conversion cholecystectomy in patients with acute cholecystitis—it’s not as black as it’s painted!

Authors: Johannes Spohnholz, Torsten Herzog, Johanna Munding, Orlin Belyaev, Waldemar Uhl, Chris Braumann, Ansgar Michael Chromik

Published in: Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery | Issue 4/2016

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Abstract

Background

Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy is recommended as standard treatment for acute cholecystitis, in 10–30 % a conversion to open cholecystectomy is required. Among some surgeons, this is still perceived as a “complication.” The aim of our study was to define characteristics and outcome of patients with acute cholecystitis undergoing conversion cholecystectomy.

Methods

Over a 9-year period, 464 consecutive patients undergoing cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis were analyzed for demographic, preoperative, intraoperative, histopathological, and laboratory findings and surgical outcome parameters.

Results

Patients with conversion cholecystectomy were characterized by younger age, lower American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, and less cardiac comorbidities compared to patients with primary open cholecystectomy. Severity of inflammation on the clinical and histopathological level was similar and comparable. Overall complication rate, mortality, and median hospital stay were significantly lower compared to those of primary open cholecystectomy group.

Conclusions

There are no disadvantages for patients undergoing conversion cholecystectomy compared to primary open cholecystectomy. The outcome is influenced by general condition and comorbidities rather than by the surgical approach. Underlying fear of conversion should not avoid a laparoscopic approach in patients with acute cholecystitis.
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Metadata
Title
Conversion cholecystectomy in patients with acute cholecystitis—it’s not as black as it’s painted!
Authors
Johannes Spohnholz
Torsten Herzog
Johanna Munding
Orlin Belyaev
Waldemar Uhl
Chris Braumann
Ansgar Michael Chromik
Publication date
01-06-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery / Issue 4/2016
Print ISSN: 1435-2443
Electronic ISSN: 1435-2451
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00423-016-1394-3

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