title: A prospective comparative study between conventional and laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
abstract: A prospective, comparative study was made between 371 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 100 patients undergoing conventional cholecystectomy. Post-operative pain was assessed subjectively by a single observer using a visual analog score and objectively by assessment of parenteral analgesic used. Patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy required significantly less analgesia (46.7 mg vs 223.9mg mean pethidine dose, p < 0.01) and were observed to have mobilised earlier and had a shorter mean post-operative stay (3.5 days vs 5.9 days, p < 0.01). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy objectively reduces post-operative pain significantly and should be the new standard for treatment of gallstones.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Singapore General Hospital.
authors.forename: H S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: X F
authors.initials: XF
authors.lastname: Ha
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Ooi
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mack
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002763:Cholecystectomy; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000601:surgery*; D004434:Early Ambulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies