Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and concomitant diseases Effectiveness of the single step treatment

Aim: With the expanded use of laparoscopy, the options for combined surgical procedures have also increased and can be a modality of choice for coexisting pathologies in the abdomen. In our study we evaluate the safety and the efficacy of a number of surgical procedures combined with laparoscopic cholecystectomy and report our results. MATERIAL OF STUDY: We conducted a retrospective study on 19 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy simultaneously with other operations. RESULTS: No conversion to open surgery was necessary. Postoperative complications occurred in three patients. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 3 days (range 2-4) and a few patients required more than 48 hours postoperative hospitalization. The perioperative mortality rate was 0%. DISCUSSION: Concomitant surgical procedures result in longer operating time, but certainly the patient benefits from a single exposure to anesthesia, single hospital stay, and single period of absence from work. CONCLUSIONS: Combining surgeries does not significantly alter the outcome of the procedure, proved to be a safe and feasible and present an interesting alternative to two separate operations. Prospective studies with long-term follow-up are required to better understand the implications of simultaneous operations.