Abstract

Aim: In the literature, studies which compare laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children (LC) with adult series are limited. In this study, we aimed to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of LC children and adults.

Material and Methods: Patients who underwent LC between the years 2011-2016 in the Department of Pediatric Surgery and between March and May 2016 in the Department of General Surgery were analyzed by dividing into two groups. Demographic data, indications for cholecystectomy, preoperative approaches, operative techniques, complications, durations of hospital stay and postoperative follow-up data were analyzed retrospectively.

Results: The records of 24 children and 34 adult patients were evaluated. The mean age in children was 10.5 years (1-17), and in adults 34 years (24-76). Mean body mass index was significantly lower in children than in adults (p<0.05). There were hematologic diseases in 3 patients from the pediatric patient group. LC was performed with the classic 4-port technique in both groups. Mean duration of surgery was significantly longer in children than in adults (106 min, 55.30 min, p<0.05). The average hospital stay was 3.3 days in children and 1.67 days in adults. There was no difference in postoperative complications in both groups.

Conclusion: Gallbladder stone disease has a different clinical appearance compared to adults in children, but the LC procedure is similar. The differences in the postoperative period have been attributed to different clinical applications.