Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in sickle cell disease patients: does operating time matter?

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To report the experience of performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in patients suffering from sickle cell disease (SCD), and to assess if their postoperative complications can be minimized by shortening the operating time. METHODS: Strict measures were taken to minimize the operating times and duration of pneumoperitoneum in SCD patients undergoing LC. Data collected included demographics, preoperative haemoglobin, the surgical technique used, operating times, insufflation pressures, perioperative complications and hospital length of stay. RESULTS: In the 5-year period from July 2003 to June 2008, 19 patients with SCD underwent elective LC. Of these, 84 per cent were female. The mean age was 21.5 years. The most common indication for surgery was symptomatic cholelithiasis (60 per cent). The mean preoperative haemoglobin was 8.2g/dL. No preoperative blood transfusions were given. Four patients had preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Mean operating time was 27.9 min (range 20-45 min) which is 2.5-6 times quicker than most reports in the literature. There was no conversion to open surgery. Mean hospital length of stay was 2.5 days. Postoperative complications were noted in four patients with painful crises accounting for 50 per cent. There was no mortality. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that if stringent measures are taken to shorten the operating time, LC can be safely and effectively performed in SCD patients with minimal perioperative complications.