Laparoscopic cholecystectomy to treat patients with asymptomatic gallstones.

OBJECTIVE

The management of patients with silent or asymptomatic gallstones remains controversial. The objective of this study is to determine the complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed to treat patients under 50 years of age with asymptomatic gallstones.

METHODS

207 patients, 13-49 years of age with asymptomatic gallstones, were subjected to laparoscopic cholecystectomy. There were 161 (78%) women and 46 (22%) men.

RESULTS

Operative time varied from 25 to 95 min, with an average of 42 min. The length of hospitalization varied from 12 h to 2 days. In no patient was the operation converted to laparotomy. There was neither mortality nor major complications. The following minor complications were observed: vomiting in 43 patients (20.7%), fever in 16 (7.7%), minor skin infection in 7 (3.3%), and keloid in 2 (0. 9%).

CONCLUSIONS

It is concluded from this study that laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe procedure in the treatment of patients under 50 years of age with asymptomatic gallstones.