LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY - CAN CONVERSION BE PREDICTED

The possibility of conversion to open cholecystectomy (OC) always exis ts while performing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). This study ha s been performed with the aim of identifying factors predicting conver sion to OC. From October 1992-April 1994, LC was attempted in 150 pati ents and conversion to OC was required in 29 (19%) patients, Ten preop erative factors were analyzed retrospectively to identify parameters s ignificantly correlating with conversion to OC. Preoperative factors a nalyzed mere age, sex, duration of symptoms, BMI (Body Mass Index), pa st history of jaundice, previous abdominal surgery, associated medical risk factors, palpable lump on clinical examination, USG, and OCG fin dings. Univariate and multiple stepwise regression analysis identified male sex, USG finding of contracted/thick-walled gall bladder, and a palpable gall bladder lump on examination as significant preoperative factors predicting conversion to OC.