Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in obese and non-obese children.
BACKGROUND
Obesity is an increasing problem in the pediatric population. Despite abundant data on the impact of obesity in adults, little data exist that examines the impact of obesity on surgical outcomes in children. We reviewed our experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy to evaluate the impact of obesity.


METHODS
We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy between September, 2000 and June, 2009. Demographics, indication, length of operation, length of stay, and complications were examined. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and BMI percentage according to gender and age was determined.


RESULTS
There were 312 patients identified, 150 patients were normal weight (BMI less than 85%), 65 patients were overweight (BMI = 85%-95%), and 97 patients were obese (BMI > 95%). The mean age of the patients was 14 y (range 0-20), and 76% were female. The overweight and obese groups had more females (P = 0.022 and P = 0.0016) and the obese group was older (P = 0.0003). No differences were found between the groups in the indication for cholecystectomy. There was no difference in operative time, length of stay, or complications between normal weight patients and overweight or obese patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the known surgical challenges with overweight patients, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and equally beneficial procedure in overweight children.
Department of Surgery, The Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri, 64108, USA.
Carissa L
CL
Garey
Carrie A
CA
Laituri
Scott J
SJ
Keckler
Daniel J
DJ
Ostlie
Hayden W
HW
Stagg
Danny C
DC
Little
Shawn D
SD
St Peter
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005705:Gallbladder Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications*; D050177:Overweight / Q000150:complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology