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Evidence summaries

Small-Incision Versus Open Cholecystectomy for Patients with Symptomatic Cholecystolithiasis

Small-incision and open cholecystectomy appear to be equivalent regarding risks of complications, but the latter method is associated with a significantly longer hospital stay. Level of evidence: "B"

A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 7 studies with a total of 571 subjects. The total complication proportions were respectively 9.9% and 9.3% in the small-incision and open group, which is not significantly different. There were also no significant differences considering severe complications and bile duct injuries. However, small-incision cholecystectomy had a shorter hospital stay (WMD -2.8 days (95% CI -4.9 to -0.6)) compared to open cholecystectomy.

Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by limitations in study quality.

    References

    • Keus F, de Jong JA, Gooszen HG, van Laarhoven CJ. Small-incision versus open cholecystectomy for patients with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2006 Oct 18;(4):CD004788. [PubMed]

Primary/Secondary Keywords