Outcome of Open Versus Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Symptomatic Gallstone Disease at University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital

Cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstone disease is among the most commonly performed elective surgical procedures globally, with laparoscopic approaches increasingly preferred for their superior recovery profiles. This study compares the surgical outcomes of open versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Rivers State, South South Nigeria, between 2021 and 2024. A retrospective comparative analysis was performed on 160 patients, equally divided between the two surgical approaches. Outcome measures included operative duration, postoperative pain scores, length of hospital stay, wound complications, and return to normal activity. Data were analyzed using Student's t-test and chi-square tests as appropriate. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was associated with significantly shorter hospital stays (mean 1.8 days vs. 4.6 days), lower postoperative pain scores, and earlier return to normal activities. However, laparoscopic procedures had a higher conversion rate in cases with dense adhesions. Open cholecystectomy remained the preferred approach in patients with prior abdominal surgeries. The study recommends investment in laparoscopic equipment and training for surgeons at UPTH and comparable institutions across the South South zone to make minimally invasive surgery accessible to a wider patient population. Keywords: cholecystectomy, laparoscopy, gallstone disease, Port Harcourt, surgical outcomes