Quality-of-life outcomes with laparoscopic vs open cholecystectomy

Background: Few studies have assessed the health outcomes of patients who underwent cholecystectomy. The goal of this study was to evaluate the health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) improvement of patients undergoing laparoscopic versus open cholecystectomy. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed of consecutive patients on waiting lists to undergo cholecystectomy for nonmalignant disease in six hospitals. Patients were asked to complete two questionnaires that measure (HRQoL)-the SF-36 and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI)-before the intervention and 3 months later. Results: Improvement after surgery, measured by the SF-36 and GIQLI, was similar for both surgical techniques. The SF-health transition item showed a perception of worse health, compared to I year previously, for those who underwent open surgery and complications were also higher. Conclusions: HRQoL improvement at 3 months was relevant and similar for both surgical techniques, although the health transition perception was worse for those who underwent open surgery.