Retrospective analysis of a single unit experience in laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Northern Sri Lanka during the Covid-19 pandemic

Introduction: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a diseased gallbladder for various indications. It is preferred over open cholecystectomy due to fewer complications and early recovery. However, it carries different operative and postoperative complications. In addition, the availability of resources and skillful surgeons limits its use worldwide. Analysing the experience of laparoscopic cholecystectomy will enhance the training and skills and improve the surgical outcome. Methods: All the laparoscopic cholecystectomies done from July 2020 to July 2022 were analysed retrospectively. Results: This study included eighty-seven surgeries with patients ages 8 to 84 years (mean 51.76 ±17.15). Male patients were 32.2% and females 67.8%. The indication for laparoscopic cholecystectomy was symptomatic gallstone disease in 72.4% acute/chronic cholecystitis in 14.9%, distal CBD stones in 5.7%, Gall bladder polyp in 3.4%, biliary colic in 18.4%, cholangitis in 1.2%, obstructive jaundice in 1.2% and pyocele in 1.2%. ERCP was performed by the surgeons of the same unit to manage 6.8% of the cases preoperatively and 2.2% post-operatively. Intra-operative difficulty or problems was seen in 24.13% of the cases, which included adhesions with adjacent organs in 14.9%, difficult identification of Calot's triangle in 3.4%, bile spillage 6.8% and abnormally distended gall bladder, adhered deep into the liver, and double gallbladder in 1.2% each. 1.2% of the cases needed conversion to open. Postoperative complications were noted in 20.68% of cases. 3.4% had Clavian Dindo grade I complications. Conclusion: Professorial unit Teaching hospital Jaffna is performing laparoscopic cholecystectomies even in the presence of limited resources. The outcomes were comparable with the international standards published up to date.