Iatrogenic gallbladder perforation during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is it exempt from adverse consequences?

Abstract

Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the outcomes in patients with iatrogenic gallbladder perforation (IGP), investigating its association with postoperative complications, use of antibiotics and drains, operative time and postoperative stay.

Materials and Method: 1703 patients who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included and divided in two groups: with IGP (Group 1, n = 321) and without IGP (Group 2, n = 1382). We compared the outcomes between both groups.

Results: The IGP rate was 18.85%. Isolated bile spillage occurred in 241 patients (14.15%), and stone spillage in 80 patients (4.64%). The incidence of surgical site infections was not different between both groups. The IGP rate was significantly higher in male (43.3% vs 31.3%), in patients with perivesicular adhesions (17.75% vs 10.5%) and in patients with histologic diagnosis of acute cholecystitis (11.52% vs 4.92%). Operative time was significantly longer in patients with IGP (77.3 vs 65.4 minutes). Intraoperative drain and antibiotic use, as well as postoperative stay were, also, significantly higher in patients with IGP. There was not any late complication.

Conclusion: Bile and gallstones spillage do not lead to an increase in surgical site infections, but is associated with an increased use of antibiotics and drains, longer operative time and longer postoperative stay.