Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Sickle Cell Patients at Brazzaville University Hospital: Study and Analysis of Results

Introduction: Gallbladder lithiasis is a condition frequently encountered in homozygous sickle cell patients. The aim of surgical treatment is to remove the gallbladder. Laparoscopy remains the preferred approach. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and evolutionary aspects of patients with sickle cell disease who had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study carried out in the Department of Digestive Surgery over a 2-year period from 1 June 2020 to 31 June 2022. We included all homozygous sickle cell patients who had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Results: We identified 40 patients, with an average age of 22 years and extremes ranging from 16 to 35 years. Females predominated in 25 cases. Pain in the right hypochondrium was the most frequent reason for consultation. All patients underwent abdominal ultrasound. All patients were ASA I. The French position was the most commonly used. The average duration of the operation was 51 minutes. Retrograde cholecystectomy was performed in all patients. The average hospital stay was 24 hours. Post-operative management was straightforward in 90% of cases. Post-operative complications were dominated by abdominal vaso-occlusive crisis. Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains the gold standard for patients with sickle cell disease.