Redo-laparoscopic cholecystectomy: is it applicable

Background Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice for symptomatic gall stone disease. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is done worldwide by general surgeons, but difficult cases remain challenging even to experts in laparoscopic surgery. Redo-cholecystectomy is done owing to either interval cholecystectomy after first surgery or stone in cystic duct stump or remnant gall bladder. The most important investigation done for the patients is magnetic resonance cholangiogram. Redo-surgery is applicable to be done laparoscopic. Patients and methods A retrospective study was conducted on 11 patients whom underwent to cholecystectomy either open or laparoscopic, where one case could undergo cholecystostomy by Foley’s catheter and second one could not reach the gall bladder, and nine cases could undergo laparoscopic (four cases postpone from the start and five cases have remnant of gall bladder or retained stone in it). Clinical examination, laboratory, and radiological evaluation was done. All cases of redo-surgery were by laparoscopy. Results One case needed to convert to open surgery. Time of surgery ranged from 1 to 3 h. There is no bile leakage or common bile duct injury. There were two cases of intraoperative bleeding and one case with postoperative bleeding. Postoperative stay in hospital was 1–2 days, except a case that was converted to open, which had 3 days of hospital stay. Conclusion Redo-laparoscopic cholecystectomy is applicable and safe but needs experience in laparoscopic skills.