654 Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Class III (Morbid) Obesity

Abstract Background High Body Mass Index (BMI) has been associated with increased operative-time, conversion to open-surgery and poorer outcomes. Criteria for day surgery often includes BMI, with centres excluding patients with BMI40kg/m2 . However, as cholecystectomies are routinely performed laparoscopically with low complication rates in patients with higher BMI, this cut-off is being reviewed. Aim To examine outcomes of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in patients with increased BMI, particularly when comparing patients with morbid obesity (Class-III;BMI40 kg/m2) to those with lower BMI. Method Data was collected between 01/01/2022 and 31/07/2023 from hospitals throughout the Aneurin-Bevan University Health-Board, South Wales, UK. Data on BMI, surgical indication, operative duration, length of admission and 30-day complications, amongst others, was collected. Results This study included a total of 1007 patients (77.92% female, 22.08% male). Patients were placed into 5 BMI categories: BMI25(n=117),25-29(n=284),30-34(n=285),35-39(n=193), and40(n=135). The median BMI was 31kg/m2 and overall complication-rate 5.36%. There were three 30-day mortalities, one in BMI category 25(p=0.19) and two in 25-29(p=0.06). When comparing patients with BMI40 to those with lower BMI there was no significant difference in complications including bile-leak (0%vs1.79%;p=0.35), significant bleed (0.10%vs0.20%;p=0.41) or bile-duct injury (0%vs0.1%;p=0.71). The duration of surgery was increased, almost reaching statistical significance (83.5vs78mins;p=0.05). Due to existing Health board admission criteria, length of admission was significantly raised for BMI40 (median1vs0days;p=0.00). Conclusions This retrospective study finds Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy safe in patients with Class-III obesity with no increased association with intraoperative or post-operative complications. Criteria for day-surgery based solely on BMI40 appears inappropriate.