ThP5.9 - Evaluation of cholecystectomy service in a general NHS hospital Free

Cholecystectomy is commonly performed for biliary pathologies, as elective, emergency, or at prioritised basis (Hot Gall bladder service).

Evaluating local performance of cholecystectomy, outcomes and areas for improvement.

Over a 4-week period, 38 cholecystectomies were performed, all laparoscopically. Almost half had cholecystitis or cholangitis requiring at least 1 admission with 5 patients required more than 1 admission in 12 months prior to surgery. 50% of cholecystectomies were done in 6 months, while the longest waiting time was 13 months. 50% of procedures were done electively, whereas the rest in emergency and hot gall bladder lists. Indications included acute cholecystitis (13), biliary colic (11), chronic cholecystitis (6), biliary pancreatitis (4), GB polyps (3) and CBD stones (1).

Only 2 had subtotal cholecystectomy, and Nassar operative difficulty was graded as one in 18, two in 15, three in 4 and four in 1 of the cases. Critical view of safety was obtained in 85% and biliary anatomy was unusual in 12 cases. Operative cholangiogram and CBD exploration were performed in 5 and 8 cases respectively. Complications included bile spillage (12/38), and bleeding (7/38).

30-day follow up showed 16 patients were discharged in 24 hours and only 3 readmitted. The incidence of complications was 37%, 11 cases had SSI and 3 had pulmonary complications). No bile leak or CBD injury. All specimens were sent for examination showing benign histology.

Emergency and hot cholecystectomy services not only cut down waiting lists but also reduce costs of reoccurring admissions, with no significant added complications. Selective gall bladder histological examination may reduce costs with no recognised risks.