Search

ObjectiveTo investigate the recurrence at 1-3 years after laparoscopic cholecystolithotomy in patients with sand-like and non-sand-like gallstones. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 155 patients with gallstones who underwent gallbladder-preserving cholecystolithotomy in Air Force General Hospital, PLA from October 2012 to December 2014, and these patients were divided into sand-like stone group (29 patients) and non-sand-like stone group (126 patients). The recurrence of stones was observed at 1-3 years after surgery. The t-test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. ResultsThe time of operation showed a significant difference between the sand-like stone group and the non-sand-like stone group (126.13±20.52 min vs 75.64±16.58 min, t=7.709, P＜0.001). At 1-3 years after surgery, 6 patients in the sand-like stone group and 8 in the non-sand-like stone group experienced recurrence, and the 2- and 3-year recurrence rates showed significant differences between the two groups (2-year recurrence rate: 20.69% vs 6.35%, χ2=4.284, P=0.038; 3-year recurrence rate: 20.69% vs 6.35%, χ2=4.284, P=0.038). ConclusionThe patients with sand-like gallstones have a significantly higher recurrence rate and a significantly longer time of operation than those with non-sand-like gallstones, and therefore, they should avoid gallbladder-preserving cholecystolithotomy.