FREQUENCY OF POST-OPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS IN LAPROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY AT TERTIARYCARE HOSPITALS PESHAWAR

Abstract

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold-standard treatment for symptomatic gallstone disease because of its minimally invasive nature, reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery. Despite its advantages, postoperative complications remain a significant clinical concern and may adversely affect patient outcomes.

Objective: To determine the frequency of postoperative complications following laparoscopic cholecystectomy at a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, over a six-month period. A total of 108 adult patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included through consecutive sampling. Data were collected from patient medical records using a structured proforma. Demographic characteristics, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and clinical outcomes were recorded and analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Descriptive statistics were used to present frequencies and percentages.

Results: Among the 108 patients, 88 (81.5%) were female and 20 (18.5%) were male. The most common age group was 26–35 years (29.6%). Severe postoperative pain requiring opioid analgesia was the most frequent complication, affecting 86 (79.6%) patients. Other complications included prolonged hospital stay (>3 days) in 33 (30.6%) patients, bile leakage in 25 (23.1%), retained common bile duct (CBD) stones in 13 (12.0%), need for ERCP in 12 (11.1%), re-operation in 8 (7.4%), port-site infection in 8 (7.4%), re-admission after discharge in 7 (6.5%), and post-cholecystectomy syndrome in 2 (1.9%) patients. Overall, 58 (53.7%) patients recovered without documented complications.

Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and effective procedure with favorable postoperative outcomes. However, postoperative pain, bile leakage, retained CBD stones, and prolonged hospitalization remain important complications requiring careful perioperative management. Enhanced surgical techniques, improved postoperative monitoring, and early intervention may further reduce morbidity and improve patient outcomes