Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in obese and non-obese children.

Creator(s)

Carissa L. Garey
Carrie A. Laituri
Scott J. Keckler
Daniel J. Ostlie
Hayden W. Stagg
Danny C. Little
Shawn D. St Peter, Children's Mercy HospitalFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-1-2010

Identifier

DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2010.03.025

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Obesity is an increasing problem in the pediatric population. Despite abundant data on the impact of obesity in adults, little data exist that examines the impact of obesity on surgical outcomes in children. We reviewed our experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy to evaluate the impact of obesity.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy between September, 2000 and June, 2009. Demographics, indication, length of operation, length of stay, and complications were examined. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and BMI percentage according to gender and age was determined.

RESULTS: There were 312 patients identified, 150 patients were normal weight (BMI less than 85%), 65 patients were overweight (BMI = 85%-95%), and 97 patients were obese (BMI > 95%). The mean age of the patients was 14 y (range 0-20), and 76% were female. The overweight and obese groups had more females (P = 0.022 and P = 0.0016) and the obese group was older (P = 0.0003). No differences were found between the groups in the indication for cholecystectomy. There was no difference in operative time, length of stay, or complications between normal weight patients and overweight or obese patients.

CONCLUSION: Despite the known surgical challenges with overweight patients, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and equally beneficial procedure in overweight children.

Journal Title

The Journal of surgical research

Volume

163

Issue

2

First Page

299

Last Page

302

MeSH Keywords

Adolescent; Adult; Body Mass Index; Child; Child, Preschool; Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic; Female; Gallbladder Diseases; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Length of Stay; Male; Obesity; Overweight; Retrospective Studies; Surgical Wound Infection

Keywords

Gall bladder surgery; Body Mass Index; Gallbladder Diseases; Obesity; Overweight; Surgical wound infection

Recommended Citation

Garey, C. L., Laituri, C. A., Keckler, S. J., Ostlie, D. J., Stagg, H. W., Little, D. C., St Peter, S. D. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in obese and non-obese children. The Journal of surgical research 163, 299-302 (2010).