Does the Surgeon's Caseload Affect the Outcome in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis?

Abstract

Background: This study investigated how annual caseloads and the surgeon's previous experience influence the outcome in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LCC) for acute cholecystitis. Methods: A total of 892 patients treated in Helsinki University Hospital in 2013-2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Surgeons were compared regarding volume-over 5 LCCs for acute cholecystitis a year versus 5 or fewer LCCs a year, and experience-attendings versus residents. Results: High-volume surgeons (n=14) operated faster than low-volume surgeons (n=62) (91 vs. 108 min, P5 LCCs for acute cholecystitis a year, have shorter operative times and lower conversion rates.