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Evidence summaries

Laparoscopic Versus Small-Incision Cholecystectomy for Patients with Symptomatic Cholecystolithiasis

Laparoscopic and small-incision cholecystectomy are equal for mortality, complications, and postoperative recovery. Small-incision cholecystectomy appears to have a significantly shorter operative time. Level of evidence: "A"

A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 13 studies with a total of 2337 subjects. Total complications of laparoscopic and small-incision cholecystectomy are high: 26.6% versus 22.9%. Total complications (risk difference -0.01, 95% CI -0.07 to 0.05), hospital stay (WMD -0.72 days, 95% CI -1.48 to 0.04), and convalescence were not significantly different. High-quality trials show a quicker operative time for small-incision cholecystectomy (WMD, high-quality trials 'blinding', 16.4 minutes, 95% CI 8.9 to 23.8) while low-quality trials show no significant difference.

    References

    • Keus F, de Jong JA, Gooszen HG, van Laarhoven CJ. Laparoscopic versus small-incision cholecystectomy for patients with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2006 Oct 18;(4):CD006229. [PubMed]

Primary/Secondary Keywords