Introduction:

In recent decades, an increase in the frequency of cholecystectomies in children has been described. Currently, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the recommended treatment. The objective of this study is to describe the clinical data of pediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a second-level hospital.

Material and methods:

This is a descriptive and retrospective study. Clinical records of pediatric patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the last 10 years were reviewed.

Results:

Sixty-nine files were reviewed. Sixty-two were women (90%) and seven men (10%), whose age ranged from three to 16 years. 31.8% were overweight/obese. The most frequent surgical indication was uncomplicated chronic gallstone cholecystitis (39.2%), followed by lithiasic cholecystitis complicated by pancreatitis (27.6%). There were no complications or surgical reconversion; the mean time of hospitalization was four days.

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy appears to be an effective and safe procedure in pediatric patients.