Completion cholecystectomy for remnant gall bladder stones: A tertiary centre experience.

INTRODUCTION

Remnant gall bladder and cystic duct stump calculi are uncommon but significant causes of post-cholecystectomy syndrome, often presenting after a prolonged interval and posing diagnostic and technical challenges. Evidence from contemporary Indian cohorts remains limited and heterogeneous.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

This retrospective observational study analysed 22 consecutive patients who underwent completion cholecystectomy for symptomatic remnant gall bladder or cystic duct stump calculi between January 2015 and December 2024 at a tertiary referral centre. Patients with radiologically confirmed remnant pathology and prior sub-total or difficult cholecystectomy were included. Clinical, imaging, operative, perioperative and follow-up outcomes were analysed.

RESULTS

The mean age was 47.8 years with female predominance (77.2%). The median interval between index surgery and symptom onset was 4 years. Biliary colic was the most common presentation (86.4%), with complications in 18.2% of patients. Ultrasonography detected pathology in 76%, whereas magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) demonstrated 100% diagnostic accuracy. Laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy was successfully performed in 86.4% of patients, with a conversion rate of 9%. The mean operative duration was 118 min, and the mean blood loss was 87 ml. Critical view of safety was achieved in 50% of cases. Post-operative complications (Clavien-Dindo >II) occurred in 13.6% of patients, with no mortality. The median hospital stay was 2 days. At a median follow-up of 26 months, all patients achieved complete relief of biliary pain, although 35% of patients reported mild dyspeptic symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Completion cholecystectomy is a safe and effective definitive treatment for remnant gall bladder and cystic duct stump calculi, with high laparoscopic feasibility and favourable outcomes in experienced hands. MRCP plays a crucial role in diagnosis and operative planning, while redo surgery remains technically demanding due to altered anatomy.