Ultrasonographic gallbladder wall thickness as a risk stratification tool in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a cross-sectional study from a tertiary care center
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-2902.isj20260130Keywords:
Gallbladder wall thickness, Ultrasonography, Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, Perioperative outcomes, Surgical risk predictionAbstract
Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard for gallstone diseases. Preoperative ultrasonography findings can have a significant impact on the perioperative and postoperative outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of preoperative gallbladder (GB) wall thickness, measured by ultrasonography, on the perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing elective LC.
Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care center and included 60 patients undergoing LC. Preoperative GB wall thickness was measured via ultrasonography, and patients were stratified into four groups: <2 mm, 2-4 mm, 4-6 mm, and >6 mm. Intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, and the duration of hospital stay were prospectively documented and correlated with GB wall thickness. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and chi-square tests to compare outcomes among the four groups.
Results: The mean age was 44±13 years, and 68.3% were female. A GB wall thickness of 2-4 mm was the most common finding (40%), followed by <2 mm (30%). Patients with a thicker GB wall had significantly more intraoperative complications (p=0.001). Thicker GB wall was significantly associated with postoperative bile leak (p=0.007) and wound infection (p=0.041). The mean hospital stay was also significantly longer for patients with a thicker GB wall (p=0.001).
Conclusions: Preoperative GB wall thickness on ultrasonography is a strong predictor of operative difficulty, postoperative complications, and prolonged hospitalization following LC. Incorporating this simple, non-invasive measure into routine preoperative assessment may improve risk stratification and surgical planning.
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References
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