[Changes in lung function after cholecystectomy--open versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy]

Abstract

Impairment of respiratory function after open cholecystectomy may cause atelectasis and hypoxemia. Clinical experience shows evidence for easier recovery after laparoscopic operation. Postoperative respiratory function using spirometric tests was assessed in 50 patients with simple symptomatic cholecystolithiasis submitted either to open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy and revealed less impairment of respiratory function in the laparoscopic group.