Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients who underwent the procedure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methodology: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Surgical Department, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center from April to December 2022. Patients with history of diabetes, hypertension, and cholelithiasis who were already scheduled for elective surgery prior to the COVID-19 pandemic were included in the study. These patients were part of the investigation into COVID-19's effects on elective procedures for patients with comorbidities. Patients with acute pancreatitis or other concomitant conditions were excluded. The confirmation of cholecystitis was taken through a histological examination of the retrieved specimen.
Results: Out of 270 patients, there were 28.5% male and 71.5% females. We had 103 patients with diabetes and 115 with hypertension. Despite the fact that there was not statistically significant (p

Key words: Elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, COVID-19 pandemic, elective surgery, COVID-19 comorbidities.