Clinical and Epidemiological Profile of Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy at a Private Clinic in São Paulo

Abstract

Introduction. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the most commonly performed surgical procedure for the
treatment of gallbladder diseases. Although most patients recover uneventfully, complications may occur and affect the recovery process. This study aimed to characterize the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients undergoing LC and to identify factors associated with the development of complications.
Methods. A retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted, including patients who underwent
LC at a private hospital in downtown São Paulo, Brazil, between January 2023 and December 2024. Sociodemographic, clinical, intraoperative, complication, and outcome data were collected. Statistical analysis included the chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test, and calculation of odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), considering p<0.05 as statistically significant. The study was approved by the institutional ethics committees.
Results. The study population was predominantly female (79%), with a mean age of 47.3 years. Overall, 68% of
patients had comorbidities, including obesity (32%), hypertension (31%), and dyslipidemia (27%). Cholelithiasis was the primary diagnosis (91%). Complications occurred in 152 patients (39%), including intraoperative (10%), early postoperative (20%), and late postoperative (20%) complications. The most significant risk factors were preoperative fever (OR=4.07), a positive Murphy’s sign (OR=2.52), hypertension (OR=1.77), age 50 to 69 years (OR=1.63), and acute cholecystitis (OR=3.34). Protective factors included the absence of comorbidities
(OR=0.60) and age between 30 and 49 years (OR=0.60). The median length of hospital stay was 48 hours, and
the mortality rate was 0.26%.
Conclusions. The clinical and epidemiological profile was consistent with findings reported in the national and international literature. Signs of acute inflammation and comorbidities were important predictors of complications, whereas the absence of comorbidities and age under 50 years were protective factors. These findings may improve risk stratification and support perioperative decision-making.