Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part A (2025)

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a known risk factor for gallstone formation and associated complications. However, its impact as an independent risk factor for complications during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) remains debated. This study aimed to evaluate the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in diabetic versus non-diabetic patients.

Methods: This hospital-based comparative study included 60 patients (30 diabetics and 30 non-diabetics) undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters were compared between the two groups, including operative time, intraoperative difficulties, and conversion rate to open surgery, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay.

Results: Both groups were comparable regarding age, gender, and BMI. Intraoperatively, diabetic patients exhibited significantly higher rates of adhesions (83.3% vs 46.7%, p<0.01), difficulty during surgery (46.7% vs 10.0%, p<0.01), and longer operative time (77.96 vs 68.50 minutes, p<0.01). Conversion to open surgery was required in 13.3% of diabetic patients versus none in non-diabetics (p=0.038). Although postoperative complications including fever (16.7% vs 6.7%), surgical site infections (26.7% vs 10.0%), and bile leak (10.0% vs 0.0%) were more frequent in diabetics, these differences were not statistically significant. Hospital stay was significantly longer in diabetic patients (6.19 vs 4.73 days, p<0.01).

Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased intraoperative difficulties, higher conversion rates to open surgery, and longer hospital stay in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Surgeons should anticipate these challenges when operating on diabetic patients and take appropriate measures to optimize outcomes in this high-risk population.