OUTCOMES AND COMPLICATIONS OF LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN NORTHEAST INDIA

Introduction: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has become the gold standard for the surgical management of cholelithiasis due to its minimally invasive nature, reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery. Gallstone disease is highly prevalent in India, particularly among middle-aged females. Despite its widespread adoption, LC is not devoid of intraoperative challenges and postoperative complications, necessitating careful evaluation of outcomes and associated factors. This study aimed to analyze operative trends, complications, and conversion rates at a tertiary care center in northeast India. Aim: To evaluate the outcomes and complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed at a tertiary care center and compare these ndings with standard literature. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Surgery, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, Manipur, over two years (May 2022 to June 2024). A total of 141 patients diagnosed with cholelithiasis based on ultrasonographic ndings were enrolled according to dened inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected through structured proformas covering preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v26. Variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation or percentages. Associations were assessed using Chi-square tests, with a p-value <0.05 considered signicant. Results: The majority of patients were females aged 41–60 years. Symptomatic cholelithiasis was the most common indication (91.5%). About 59% of patients had multiple gallstones. The conversion rate to open surgery was 3.5%, primarily due to adhesions at Calot's triangle. Bile duct injury was observed in 0.7% of cases. Postoperative nausea and vomiting were the most common complications (25.5%), with no surgical site infections noted. Most patients were discharged within 3 days and returned to work within 2 weeks. The mortality rate was 0%. Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy at RIMS Imphal demonstrated excellent outcomes, comparable to global standards. Low complication and conversion rates afrm the procedure's safety and efcacy. Continued surgical training, adherence to operative protocols, and preventive strategies are recommended to further minimize complications and enhance patient recovery.