What is the frequency of cholecystectomy in pediatric patients?

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From the Research

Frequency of Cholecystectomy in Pediatric Patients

  • The frequency of cholecystectomy in pediatric patients is relatively low, with one study reporting 143 cases over an 11-year period 1.
  • Another study found that 224 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy over a 6-year period, with a mean age of 12.9 years 2.
  • A systematic review of the literature included 19,993 patients who underwent pediatric laparoscopic cholecystectomies, although the study did not provide a specific frequency of the procedure 3.
  • A retrospective review of 100 consecutive infants and children undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomies found that the patients ranged in age from 25 to 230 months, with a mean of 105 months 4.

Demographics of Pediatric Patients Undergoing Cholecystectomy

  • One study found that 70.8% of patients who underwent cholecystectomy were female, and 66.6% were older than 12 years 1.
  • The same study found that 41.7% of patients were overweight or obese, with a mean body weight of 52.7 kg and a body mass index of 21.7 kg/m(2) 1.
  • Another study found that the mean age of patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy was 12.9 years, with a mean weight of 58.3 kg 2.

Indications for Cholecystectomy in Pediatric Patients

  • The most common indication for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in pediatric patients is symptomatic gallstones, accounting for 73.7% of cases in one study 2.
  • Other indications include biliary dyskinesia, gallstone pancreatitis, and choledocholithiasis 2.
  • One study found that 10% of patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy had biliary dyskinesia, which is becoming more frequently diagnosed in children 2.

Outcomes of Cholecystectomy in Pediatric Patients

  • Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and effective procedure in children, with low rates of complications and morbidity 2, 4.
  • One study found that the overall morbidity following laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children is comparable to adults 3.
  • Another study found that post-operative complications were reduced when laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed by high-volume adult surgeons 3.

References

1
Research

Pediatric Cholecystectomy: Clinical Significance of Cases Unrelated to Hematologic Disorders.

Pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology & nutrition, 2015

2
Research

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the pediatric population.

Journal of laparoendoscopic & advanced surgical techniques. Part A, 2008

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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