Abstract

Objective: To determine the conversion rate of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and its causes at Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad, Pakistan.
Methods: This was a retrospective study carried out at Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad from July 2005 to June 2007. All patients who were scheduled for LC for symptomatic gall stones were included in the study. Those with history of pancreatitis, jaundice, common bile duct dilatation, choledocholithiasis and gall bladder mass were excluded.
Results: A total of 216 patients underwent LC during the study period. The mean operating time was 45 minutes and average hospital stay was two days. The conversion rate was 4%, with commonest cause being dense adhesions.
Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was a safe method of treatment with very low conversion rate. (Rawal Med J 2008;33:159-161).

Key words: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, gall stones, conversion, cholelithiasis