Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in cirrhotic patients. Indication or contradiction?

Abstract

Liver cirrhosis is considered a contraindication to laparoscopic cholecystectomy for the moment. Here we are reporting on results in the surgical treatment of gallstone disease in cirrhotic patients by laparoscopic means. We reviewed the experience over the final period of time in 11 patients since the introduction of laparoscopic procedures in our unit. The index of conversion rate was 9.1% (1/11). The morbidity was nil. The average length of hospital stay was 1.8 days (1-6 days). We propose the use of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in gallstone disease in patients with liver cirrhosis as first-line surgical treatment.