SP1.7 - Cholecystectomy in Children: Tertiary Institutional Review of 10-years

Abstract Aim This study evaluates cholecystectomy necessity in pediatric patients with gallstones, correlating clinical symptoms, diagnostic imaging, histological findings, and postoperative outcomes. Method A decade-long (2013-2023) retrospective analysis at our tertiary Pediatric institution focused on patients aged 0-16 years undergoing cholecystectomy. Data from electronic patient records included demographics, preoperative symptoms, ultrasound findings, liver function tests, associated health conditions, surgical techniques, and postoperative developments. Results Our review encompassed 52 patients (35/52 females). Their ages ranged from 3 to 16 years (median = 13). Recurrent abdominal pain was the predominant symptom, reported in 49 patients. A minority (3 patients) were asymptomatic. 18 patients exhibited jaundice, while 5 cases each were associated with pancreatitis and cholecystitis, both clinically and biochemically. Comorbid conditions were identified in 24 patients, including sickle cell disease (15 cases), hereditary spherocytosis (6 cases), and metachromatic leukodystrophy (3 cases). Ultrasound findings revealed gallstones in 48 out of 52 patients, with the remaining 4 (3 metachromatic leukodystrophy) showing no stones. Histologically, cholecystitis was confirmed in 32 patients, but gallstones were only verified in 34 cases. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in 49 cases, and 13 of these also involved splenectomy. In 3 cases, laparoscopy was converted to open surgery due to splenectomy-related factors. During follow-up, 2 patients reported recurrent symptoms. One of these, initially diagnosed with chronic cholecystitis, was later found to have irritable bowel syndrome. Another patient required subsequent splenectomy. Conclusion Our study reveals a notable disparity between preoperative ultrasound findings and histological results. Nevertheless, cholecystectomy remains a safe and effective intervention in judiciously selected symptomatic paediatric patients, with most experiencing symptom resolution post-surgery.