Results of laparoscopic versus open cholecystectomy in a community hospital.

In a retrospective study, the first 301 patients who had laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in a university-affiliated community hospital were compared with a historical matched control group of patients who had open cholecystectomy. The patients who had LC had a shorter hospital stay, required less postoperative pain medication, resumed normal activities and returned to work sooner, and had a lower minor and total complication rate. The mean operating time was 45 minutes longer for LC. Major complications, common bile duct injuries, and mortality were similar in both patient groups. The learning curve, use of laser, and use of cholangiography were all analyzed. Our results with LC compared favorably with results reported in the medical literature.