A Study of the Degree of Gall Bladder Wall Thickness and Its Impact on Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background The gold standard management for symptomatic gallstone disease is elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which has replaced open cholecystectomy. The wall thickness of the gallbladder is an indicator of cholecystitis in patients who have presented with symptoms of gallstone disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate preoperative gall bladder wall thickness by ultrasonography and assess its impact on the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, including conversion rate, complications, operative time, and postoperative hospital stay. Method This prospective study was conducted on 350 patients with symptomatic gallstone disease, those who had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Dr. Sampurnanand Medical College, Jodhpur, and attached hospitals from July 2019 to November 2021. On the basis of ultrasonography findings of gallbladder wall thickness, patients were divided into four groups: normal thickness - up to 2 mm, mild thickness - 3-4mm, moderate thickness - 5-6mm, and severe wall thickness - more than 6mm). Up to 2 millimeters thickness was considered as normal. Results The incidence of conversion rate, as well as intra or postoperative complications, were higher in moderate and severe wall thickness groups. The maximum incidence of complication rate is seen in moderately thickened group (33.33%). In severely thickened group, complication was seen in 100% of patients. Operative time, as well as postoperative hospital stay, were more in higher thickness groups. There was a statistically significant correlation between gallbladder wall thickness and conversion rate, complications operative time, and postoperative length of stay. Conclusion Increased gallbladder wall thickness causes increased intra as well as postoperative complications, more conversion to open procedure rate, increased operative time, and enhanced postoperative hospital stay. Among the total study population, 29.71% of patients had increased gallbladder wall thickness. In our study, a positive correlation was seen among gallbladder wall thickness, complication rate, conversion rate, intraoperative time, and postoperative hospital stay.