Laparoscopic converted to open cholecystectomy minimally prolongs hospitalization.
BACKGROUND
There has been little information about the length of stay (LOS) after laparoscopic converted to open cholecystectomy (CON) in the past few years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the LOS and postoperative complications for elective CON in a more recent time period.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients admitted to the Day Surgery Unit for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) converted to open cholecystectomy (OC) from January 2000 through December 2003. Indications for CON, operative time, LOS, pain control, and complications were evaluated.


RESULTS
The CON rate was 3%, and the reason for CON to open was most commonly cited as inability to identify anatomy. On average, patients were discharged on postoperative day 3 (range 2 to 8). The postoperative complication rate was 17%.


CONCLUSIONS
When the dissection is tedious, the surgeon should feel comfortable in converting from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy. This can be done with the knowledge that it does not add significant length of stay as previously reported.
Jones
Kory
K
Department of General Surgery, Methodist Dallas Medical Center, P.O. Box 655999, Dallas, TX 75265-5999, USA.
DeCamp
B Seth
BS
Mangram
Alicia J
AJ
Dunn
Ernest L
EL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002763:Cholecystectomy / Q000379:methods*; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic; D002764:Cholecystitis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000639:trends*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome