Publication:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: do upper GI and lower GI surgeons have similar outcomes?

Background Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is operation performed on a regular basis, regardless of surgeon’s primary specialty. Common complications include bile duct injury, bile leaks, bleeding, and bowel injury. In Tier 2 Hospitals, upper GI surgeons will manage patients with non-complex OG and HPB disease including laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The AUGSGBI proposed that laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) be performed by surgeons trained in upper GI surgery. NICE guidelines recommend similarly. Concentration of surgical expertise and volumes led to lesser conversions and complications. The aim was to compare the complication rates of consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy by upper and lower GI consultants in one hospital.

Methods This was a retrospective observational study. We collected 100 consecutive patients from a list of laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed by upper GI surgeons (UGI) and lower GI (LGI) surgeons. All complications were identified from electronic patient records. Complications were recorded according to the Clavien and Dindo system. Median length of stay (LOS) was recorded and compared between the two groups.

Results There was no difference in between groups with respect to sex, age, length of stay or ASA grade, nor a significant difference in complication rates between surgeons of upper and lower GI surgeons.

Conclusions In this study in a selected group, we did not find any difference in procedure related complications between operations conducted by upper GI and lower GI surgeon groups. However, there appeared to be a higher rate of port closure related complication at the umbilicus in operations performed by the lower GI team.