Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in black patients at Ga-Rankuwa Hospital: a feasibility study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine feasibility and outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for Black patients in Ga-Rankuwa Hospital and to analyse the type of stones harvested.


METHODS
Cross sectional description study.


METHODS
Ga-Rankuwa Hospital/Medunsa, South Africa.


METHODS
79 patients who presented with cholelithiasis over a six year period.


METHODS
Successful performance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy on the subjects.


RESULTS
39 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed with seven conversions (18% conversion rate). Forty open cholecystectomies were also performed. Post operative stay after laparoscopic cholecystectomy averaged 3.5 days and that of the open converted group 6.9 days (p < 0.001). Two patients returned with persistence of symptoms following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Twenty gall stones were analysed; 17 were of the cholesterol type and three of the black pigment type.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is feasible in the Black populace of Ga-Rankuwa Hospital. The majority of gallstones are of the cholesterol type.
Muyanga
J
J
Ghoor
F O
FO
Modiba
M C
MC
D000328:Adult; D044383:Black People; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000601:surgery*; D017046:Cost Savings; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D013019:South Africa