A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF LAPAROSCOPIC VERSUS OPEN CHOLECYSTECTOMY.

Background: Cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder, is a common procedure primarily indicated for gallstone disease and its complications. Over the past few decades, the advent of minimally invasive techniques has signicantly transformed the landscape of abdominal surgeries. Among these, laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has emerged as the gold standard, gradually replacing the traditional open cholecystectomy (OC) in many clinical settings. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy offers several potential advantages over the open approach, including reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, quicker return to daily activities, and improved cosmetic outcomes. However, it also presents challenges such as a longer learning curve, potential for intraoperative complications, and limited accessibility in resource-constrained environments. In contrast, open cholecystectomy, though more invasive, remains a vital surgical option in complicated cases or where laparoscopic facilities and expertise are lacking. Methods: The comparative study was conducted between april 2023 and March 2025 and comprised 18 cases, regardless of age group, of both males and females.In this period I have selected 9 cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy to compare with 9 cases of open cholecystectomy. Common indications for surgery were chronic calculous cholecystitis, acalculous cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, biliary colic and acute cholecystitis. The following aspects of open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy are contrasted: The surgical technique The duration of the procedure Pain following surgery Needs for analgesics Length of time antibiotics are administered Post-operative and intraoperative complications Returning to a regular diet Hospital stay following surgery Get back to your regular activities The Cosmesis Results: This study included 18 patients: 10 (55.5%) females and 8 (44.5%) males, with an average age of 55 years (range 40- 70). Out of these 18 cases, one was converted to open due to multiple adhesions. The average hospital stay for open and laparoscopic procedures was 10 and 5, respectively. Antibiotics were administered for an average of 7 days in open cases and 4 days in laparoscopic cases. In summary, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard due to its Conclusion: advantages in recovery, pain management, and overall outcomes for most patients. Open cholecystectomy, while still relevant in certain complex or emergent cases, is increasingly reserved for situations where laparoscopic surgery is not feasible or safe. Both approaches offer good long-term results, but the minimally invasive nature of laparoscopy remains a signicant benet in the majority of cases.