The Usage of Clinical and Ultrasonographic Parameters for Pre-Operative Prediction of Difficult Laparoscopic Surgery

Objectives: To evaluate both clinical and ultrasonographic parameters for pre-operative prediction of difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Methods: In 105 eligible patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, during May 2002 to January 2005, at prince Hashim military hospital, patient characteristics, clinical history, laboratory data, ultrasonography results and intra-operative details were prospectively analyzed to determine predictors of difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Results: Of the 105 patients, 12 (11.4%) required conversion to open cholecystectom. Signification predictors of conversion were body mass index >30 kg/m2, male gender, past history of upper abdominal surgery, and gall bladder wall thickness exceeding 3 mm.Conclusion: Clinical and ultrasonograpic factors can help predict difficult laparoscopic and likelihood of conversion laparoscopic cholecystectomy of open surgery.Niger Med J. Vol. 49, No. 1, Jan. – Mar., 2008: 17 – 19.Keywords: clinical, ultrasonographic, pre-operative, prediction, laparoscopic surgery