Open conversion in laparoscopic cholecystectomy and bile duct exploration: subspecialisation safely reduces the conversion rates

Nassar, A., El Zanati, H., Ng, H. J., Khan, K. S. and Wood, C. (2022) Open conversion in laparoscopic cholecystectomy and bile duct exploration: subspecialisation safely reduces the conversion rates. Surgical Endoscopy, 36(1), pp. 550-558. (doi: 10.1007/s00464-021-08316-1) (PMID:33528666) (PMCID:PMC8741693)

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Abstract

Background: Open conversion rates during laparoscopic cholecystectomy vary depending on many factors. Surgeon experience and operative difficulty influence the decision to convert on the grounds of patient safety but occasionally due to technical factors. We aim to evaluate the difficulties leading to conversion, the strategies used to minimise this event and how subspecialisation influenced conversion rates over time. Methods: Prospectively collected data from 5738 laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed by a single surgeon over 28 years was analysed. Routine intraoperative cholangiography and common bile duct exploration when indicated are utilised. Patients undergoing conversion, fundus first dissection or subtotal cholecystectomy were identified and the causes and outcomes compared to those in the literature. Results: 28 patients underwent conversion to open cholecystectomy (0.49%). Morbidity was relatively high (33%). 16 of the 28 patients (57%) had undergone bile duct exploration. The most common causes of conversion in our series were dense adhesions (9/28, 32%) and impacted bile duct stones (7/28, 25%). 173 patients underwent fundus first cholecystectomy (FFC) (3%) and 6 subtotal cholecystectomy (0.1%). Morbidity was 17.3% for the FFC and no complications were encountered in the subtotal cholecystectomy patients. These salvage techniques have reduced our conversion rate from a potential 3.5% to 0.49%. Conclusion: Although open conversion should not be seen as a failure, it carries a high morbidity and should only be performed when other strategies have failed. Subspecialisation and a high emergency case volume together with FFC and subtotal cholecystectomy as salvage strategies can reduce conversion and its morbidity in difficult cholecystectomies.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Khan, Mr Khurram and Wood, Dr Colin and Nassar, Mr Ahmad
Authors: Nassar, A., El Zanati, H., Ng, H. J., Khan, K. S., and Wood, C.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:Surgical Endoscopy
Publisher:Springer
ISSN:0930-2794
ISSN (Online):1432-2218
Published Online:02 February 2021
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2021 Crown
First Published:First published in Surgical Endoscopy 36(1): 550-558
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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