Postoperative outcomes with cholecystectomy in lung transplant recipients

Abstract

Introduction: There is a paucity of data on outcomes for lung transplant (LT) recipients requiring general surgery procedures. This study examined outcomes after cholecystectomy in LT recipients using a large database.

Methods: The National Inpatient Sample Database (2005-2010) was queried for all LT patients requiring laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and open cholecystectomy (OC).

Results: There were a total of 377 cholecystectomies performed in LT patients. The majority were done for acute cholecystitis (n = 218; 57%) and were done urgently/emergently (n = 258; 68%). There were a total of 304 (81%) laparoscopic cholecystectomies and 73 (19%) OC. There was no difference in age when comparing the laparoscopic and open groups (53.6 vs 55.5 years; P = .39). In addition, the Charlson Comorbidity Index was similar in the 2 groups (P = .07). Patients undergoing OC were more likely to have perioperative myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolus, or any complication compared with the laparoscopic group. Total hospital charges ($59,137.00 vs $106,329.80; P = .03) and median duration of stay (4.0 vs 8.0 days; P = .02) were both greater with open compared with LC.

Conclusion: Cholecystectomy can be performed safely in the LT population with minimal morbidity and mortality.