Assessment of Factors Predicting the Conversion of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Aim: To assess the pre-operative and intra-operative factors which can predict the conversion of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Study design: A retrospective study

Place and Duration:  This study was conducted at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital Karachi Pakistan from June 2020 to June 2021

Methodology: A total of 526 patients have been admitted and underwent laparoscopy during the time period of study.  Their records were observed retrospectively. Out of the total, 14 patients had a conversion and were considered as group 1 whereas the other 14 patients were selected randomly and called group 2. Different predictive factors were assessed in the study.

Results: Out of the 526 patients, 14 (2.6%) had undergone conversion, however, no difference was observed between the two groups other than the values of alkaline phosphatase was statistically significant. The most common intraoperative determinative factor for conversion during surgery was the delineation of Carot’s triangle.

Conclusion: The laboratory and ultrasound findings before surgery in both groups were not statistically significantly different other than the levels of alkaline phosphatase which is why it can be concluded that it is quite difficult to have the predictive factors of conversion before surgery. However, during surgery, the most common factor is difficulty in delineating the Carot’s triangle.