Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To study the complications, conversion rate and hospital stay during the initial experience
with the laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
DESIGN: A case series.
SETTING: Chandka Medical College Hospital, Larkana - Sindh from March 2003 to February 2004.
METHODS: Total 100 patients suffering from symptomatic gallstone disease were admitted for
laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
RESULTS: Out of 100 laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed, 85 (85%) patients were females
and 15 (15%) males. Age range was 25 to 70 years. Only 8 (8%) patients were converted to open surgery.
Mean operative time was 60 minutes. Post-operative hospital stay was 24 to 48 hours for uncomplicated
cases. Post-operative complications included biliary leakage 3% minor and 1% major,
duodenal perforation 1% and port site infection 8%.
CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the ideal procedure for gallstone disease. However,
the complications and conversion rate can be minimized by the appropriate training and experience.

Key words: Laparoscopy. Cholecystectomy. Complication. Conversion. Hospital.