The Conversion to Open Surgery in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

After more than 20 years from the beginning of laparoscopic surgery, laparoscopic cholecystectomy still holds a conversion rate of 5.1 % in the specialty literature. We have conducted a retrospective study based on the experience of the clinical unit of General Surgery within “Prof. Dr. A. Ionescu” Emergency Clinical Hospital, between 1997 and 2013. A number of 2,309 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed. The average age of the group was 47.3 years. Conversion was performed to a number of 58 patients (2.51%), out of which 74.13% women (no. = 43) and 26% men (no. 15). The average age of the patients to whom the conversion was performed was 57. Conversion to open cholecystectomy was more frequent in patients over 60 (no. 38). The main preoperative diagnosis in converted patients was acute lithiasic cholecystitis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe method with optimal results, being considered the “gold standard” in the treatment of bladder lithiasis. Conversion to open surgery is an expression of the surgeon’s experience and wisdom.