Empyema of gallbladder is a potential fatal complication of gallstone. It is characterized by suppuration superimposed on acute cholecystitis. It is considered as a common factor of difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Aim of the study: to determine the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with empyema of gallbladder.
Patient and method:A prospective study of 800 patients suffering from gallstone diseases from 2011 to December 2014 in Azadi teaching hospital in Kirkuk-Iraq. The procedure was performed by standard three – ports technique with a few modifications made to facilitate dissection subjected to situation.
Results: 800 patients with male to female ratio 1:5.25 undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Among these, 50 patients (6.25%) were identified having empyema of gallbladder and were included in the study population. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was successfully completed for 49 (98%) patients while only one (2%) patient was converted to open cholecystectomy due to uncontrolled bleeding.
Conclusion: In well-trained and skillful hands of an expert, laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery is a safe and acceptable option for patients with empyema of gallbladder.