Long-term results after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

As part of a continuing audit of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (which now numbers over 1500) 468 of the 508 patients (92·1 per cent) operated on between October 1989 and March 1991 were studied between 350 and 988 days after the operation (mean 19 months). A questionnaire was filled in by each patient before operation and at the late follow‐up visit. Eight specific symptoms were sought ‐ non‐colicky pain, colic, abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, flatulence, and dietary restriction. The result of each operation was assessed by two surgeons and by the patient. In 453 patients (96·8 per cent) the symptoms had improved as a result of the operation, but 260 patients (55·6 per cent) had some abdominal symptoms. The result was assessed as excellent in 310 patients (66·2 per cent); 143 (30·5 per cent) still had abdominal complaints but they were willing to cope with those symptoms. In 15 patients (3·2 per cent) the result was unsatisfactory. Statistical analysis of 26 preoperative variables showed few significant differences between patients with excellent results and patients with persisting or new symptoms. The percentage of patients with biliary colic was reduced from 82·9 per cent before to 6·4 per cent after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (P