A prospective comparative study between conventional and laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

A prospective, comparative study was made between 371 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 100 patients undergoing conventional cholecystectomy. Post-operative pain was assessed subjectively by a single observer using a visual analog score and objectively by assessment of parenteral analgesic used. Patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy required significantly less analgesia (46.7 mg vs 223.9mg mean pethidine dose, p < 0.01) and were observed to have mobilised earlier and had a shorter mean post-operative stay (3.5 days vs 5.9 days, p < 0.01). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy objectively reduces post-operative pain significantly and should be the new standard for treatment of gallstones.