Abstract
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the standard surgical procedure for gallbladder removal; however, variations in operative difficulty can impact patient outcomes. This study aimed to assess the preoperative and intraoperative predictors that contribute to a challenging laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A total of 250 patients undergoing LC were evaluated based on clinical characteristics, ultrasound findings, and intraoperative observations. Predictors were categorized into preoperative (e.g., age, body mass index, previous abdominal surgery) and intraoperative factors (e.g., adhesions, gallbladder wall thickness). Statistical analyses, including logistic regression, were employed to determine the significance of each predictor. The results indicated that advanced age (≥ 65 years), a body mass index (BMI) > 30, and a history of previous abdominal surgery were significantly associated with difficult LC (p < 0.05). Intraoperative findings, such as severe adhesions and thickened gallbladder walls, were also strong predictors of increased operative time and conversion to open surgery. This study highlights the importance of recognizing these predictors to optimize preoperative planning and improve surgical outcomes.
Keywords: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, predictors, preoperative, intraoperative, surgical difficulty, gallbladder disease