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Abstract

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard for treating gallbladder disease; however, some cases present technical challenges that necessitate conversion to open cholecystectomy (OC). Identifying factors associated with difficult LC and conversion to OC can help optimize surgical planning and patient counseling. Objective: To evaluate the frequency of difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomies and the rate of conversion to open cholecystectomies in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Study Design: Observational cross-sectional study. Setting: The study was conducted at Saidu Teaching Hospital in Swat. Duration of Study: The study was conducted over six months, from August 16, 2024, to February 16, 2025. Methods: A total of 126 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder surgery) were included. Surgical difficulty was assessed using the G10 scoring system, which evaluates factors such as inflammation, adhesions, and anatomical variations. Conversion rates from LC to OC were recorded. Demographic characteristics, surgical difficulty, and outcome variables were analyzed using SPSS version 20. The statistical significance of the predictive factors was assessed, with p-values of less than 0.05 considered significant. Results: Difficult labor was observed in 14 patients (11.1%), while conversion to cesarean section was required in 8 cases (6.3%). Age and gender were significant predictors of difficult LC and conversion to OC. Patients with a higher BMI (>24.9 kg/m²) had an increased likelihood of complex surgery and conversion; however, the association was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The frequency of difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy was 11.1%, and the conversion rate to open surgery was 6.3%. Age and gender were notable predictive factors for surgical difficulty and conversion. Preoperative risk assessment using scoring systems, such as G10, can aid in surgical decision-making and improve patient outcomes.