[Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in sickle cell disease].

STUDY AIM Sickle cell affection is a public health problem in Africa. The aims of this prospective study were to evaluate the early results of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in sickle cell patients in Senegal. METHOD From January 1998 to June 2002 all the sickle cell patients undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included. Intra- and post-operative protocol (blood transfusion if Hb < 9 g/dl, rehydration, oxygenotherapy) was standardized. RESULTS Forty-two patients with sickle cell of types SS-33 and AS9 were operated upon by same surgeon. One case of conversion due to an effraction of biliary junction was reported. One homozygote patient died post-operatively because of peritonitis. Two acute thoracic syndromes, three vaso-occlusive crisis, and two cases of wound infection constituted the post-operative morbidity. No case of complication was noted in those who underwent pre-operative transfusion. CONCLUSION Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be carried out in sickle cell patients with biliary lithiasis provided that general anaesthetic rules are respected.