SP8.2.7 Is “Hot” Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in patients with high BMI a safe option? - Outcomes of Emergency Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in obese vs non-obese patients

Abstract

Aim NICE guidelines currently recommend offering patients presenting with acute cholecystitis a laparoscopic cholecystectomy within 1 week of diagnosis. We compared peri-operative outcomes for patients undergoing emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy with a BMI of <30 kg/m2 (Group 1) and ≥30 kg/m2 (Group 2). Methods A retrospective review of patients undergoing an emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy at a District General Hospital between January 2018 and November 2020. Results 159 patients were included. Group 1 had 97 patients (BMI range 18.8–29.9 kg/m2, age range 27–82 years, 56 females: 41 males). Group 2 had 62 patients (BMI range 30–56.3 kg/m2, age range 19–88 years, 38 females: 24 males). ASA breakdown was 1(25.8%), 2(64.9%) and 3(9.3%) for Group 1 and 2(71%) and 3(29%) for Group 2. Indications for surgery included biliary colic, acute cholecystitis and gallstone pancreatitis. Operating surgeons had training in both Upper GI and Bariatric surgery. There were no significant differences between Group 1 and Group 2 for anaesthetic time (minutes, 32.74 vs 32.50 p=0.91), operative time (minutes, 95.82 vs 93.67 p=0.75), total length of stay (days, 6.15 vs 5.17 p=0.30) or readmission rate within 30 days (22.68% vs 19.35% p=0.62). 4 patients in each group had acute complications during the index admission. Conclusion Emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy for patients with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 has similar peri-operative outcomes when compared to patients with a BMI <30 kg/ m2 and is safe to be performed in a District General Hospital by operating surgeons with an interest in Upper GI and Bariatric surgery.