Fundus-first Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Fundus-first Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Difficult Gallbladder

Bile duct injury (BDI) remains the most feared complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, particularly in difficult gallbladder cases. The fundus-first technique has emerged as a potentially safer alternative to classical laparoscopic cholecystectomy for challenging cases. This single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy and safety of fundus-first laparoscopic cholecystectomy (FF-LC) versus classical laparoscopic cholecystectomy (C-LC) in 174 patients with difficult gallbladder characteristics. The primary outcome was bile duct injury rate. Secondary outcomes included conversion to open surgery, operative parameters, and postoperative complications.

Bile duct injury (BDI) rates remain 0.3-1.5% in difficult gallbladders. FFLC avoids early dissection near critical structures, potentially lowering BDI risk.

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the safety and efficacy of fundus-first (FF) versus classical (Calot-first) laparoscopic cholecystectomy techniques in patients with difficult gallbladders. The study will evaluate perioperative outcomes, conversion rates, complications, and operative time between the two surgical approaches. Based on recent evidence suggesting an improved safety profile with the fundus-first technique, we hypothesize that the FF approach will demonstrate reduced bile duct injury rates and improved surgical outcomes in difficult cases.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-80 years
• Symptomatic cholelithiasis or cholecystitis requiring laparoscopic cholecystectomy (elective or emergency)
• Difficult gallbladder characteristics: Acute cholecystitis (Tokyo Guidelines 2018 Grade II/III), wall thickness >4 mm on US, pericholecystic fluid, impacted stone in Hartmann's pouch/cystic duct, previous upper abdominal surgery, BMI >30 kg/m², ≥3 previous cholecystitis episodes, contracted gallbladder, Mirizzi syndrome Type I/II, empyema, severe pericholecystic adhesions on imaging, suspected anatomical variations
• The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III
• Suitable for laparoscopic approach
• Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Suspected gallbladder malignancy
• Choledocholithiasis requiring endoscopic intervention
• Mirizzi syndrome Grade III-IV
• Gallbladder perforation with generalized peritonitis
• Pregnancy or lactation
• Contraindications to laparoscopy (severe cardiopulmonary disease, coagulopathy)
• Previous biliary or hepatic surgery
• Cirrhosis with portal hypertension
• Active coagulopathy
• Patient refusal