Long-term outcomes after subtotal reconstituting cholecystectomy: A retrospective case series.

BACKGROUND

Subtotal cholecystectomy, where the gallbladder infundibulum is transected to avoid dissecting within the triangle of Calot, has been suggested to conclude laparoscopic cholecystectomy while avoiding common bile duct injury. However, some reports suggest the possibility of recurrent symptoms from a remnant gallbladder.

METHODS

A retrospective database containing 900 randomly selected cholecystectomies occurring between 2009 and 2015 was reviewed for instances of subtotal cholecystectomy. All documentation for these patients was reviewed through 01/2018.

RESULTS

Six patients who underwent subtotal cholecystectomy were identified. All six returned for care within our institution, with a median 76 months of follow-up. No patient had signs or symptoms indicating recurrent cholelithiasis or cholecystitis.

CONCLUSIONS

This series represents six cases of subtotal reconstituting cholecystectomy with no recurrent gallbladder symptoms on long-term follow-up. This may encourage surgeons who feel that subtotal reconstituting cholecystectomy is the safest way to proceed with cholecystectomy in the setting of severe inflammation.