Medknow Publications on behalf of the Indian Association of Pediatric Surgeons
Abstract
The present study is undertaken to establish the usefulness of
laparoscopic cholecystectomy and to know its merits and demerits as
compared to open cholecystectomy in children. In all, 28 patients who
underwent cholecystectomy (8 open and 20 laparoscopic cholecystectomy)
in B.Y.L. Nair hospital between July 1999 and March 2004 were analyzed.
Calculous cholecystitis was found to be the most common indication for
surgery. Operative time for laparoscopic cholecystectomy was more than
that in open cholecystectomy in the early phase of laparoscopy, which
got reduced as we gained experience. The requirement of parenteral
antibiotics and analgesics and the duration of stay were significantly
shorter with laparoscopy. The advantages for a child in laparoscopic
cholecystectomy as compared to open cholecystectomy are minimal pain,
avoidance of an upper abdominal incision, cosmesis and shorter duration
of hospitalization with quick return to home and school. Thus,
laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe and efficacious in children
