Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: The treatment of choice for cholelithiasis in infancy and childhood.

Twelve consecutive laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LC) were performed between January 1994 and October 1996 at King Khalid University Hospital. In all patients the indication for cholecystectomy was symptomatic gallstones. Among the 12 children, six had sickle cell disease. The operating time ranged between 65 and 135 minutes (mean=897plusmn;21.06). There was no major morbidity or mortality. The average duration of postoperative parenteral analgesia (pethidine hydrochloride) required was 0.47+/-0.19 day (ranged between 0.3 and one day). The average postoperative stay was 1.67+/-0.44 days (ranged between 1 and 2.5 days). In conclusion, LC is safe, effective and the preferred approach for cholelithiasis in children, with the advantages of short postoperative analgesia requirement, shorter hospitalization, and therefore, an early return to normal daily activities.