Laparoscopic cholecystectomy--can conversion be predicted?

The possibility of conversion to open cholecystectomy (OC) always exists while performing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). This study has been performed with the aim of identifying factors predicting conversion to OC. From October 1992-April 1994, LC was attempted in 150 patients and conversion to OC was required in 29 (19%) patients. Ten preoperative factors were analyzed retrospectively to identify parameters significantly correlating with conversion to OC. Preoperative factors analyzed were age, sex, duration of symptoms, BMI (Body Mass Index), past history of jaundice, previous abdominal surgery, associated medical risk factors, palpable lump on clinical examination, USG, and OCG findings. Univariate and multiple stepwise regression analysis identified male sex, USG finding of contracted/thick-walled gall bladder, and a palpable gall bladder lump on examination as significant preoperative factors predicting conversion to OC.