Gallbladder Nonvisualization in Cholecystectomy: A Factor for Conversion.

Publication/Presentation Date

1-1-2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Many risk factors have been identified in minimally invasive cholecystectomies that lead to higher complications and conversion rates. No study that we encountered looked at nonvisualization of the gallbladder (GB) during surgery as a risk factor. We hypothesized that nonvisualization was associated with an increased risk of complications and could be an early intraoperative identifier of a higher risk procedure. Recognizing this could allow surgeons to be aware of potential risks and to be more likely to convert to open for the safety of the patient.

METHODS: We looked at minimally invasive cholecystectomies performed at our institution from January 2015 through April 2016 and had the performing resident fill out a survey after the surgery. Outcomes were conversion rates, intraoperative complications, and blood loss and were analyzed via Pearson χ

RESULTS: The primary outcome showed a conversion rate of 37% in nonvisualized GBs versus 0% in visualized (

CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative nonvisualization of the GB after adequate positioning caused significantly increased risk of intraoperative complications and conversion. This knowledge could be useful during intraoperative assessment, to decide whether a case should be continued as a minimally invasive procedure or converted early to help reduce risk to the patient. Further randomized controlled studies should be performed to further demonstrate the value of this assessment.

Volume

22

Issue

1

ISSN

1938-3797

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

29551882

Department(s)

Department of Surgery

Document Type

Article

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