Report shows safety of 'keyhole' surgery for gall bladder problems

17/4/95

Western Australians can be assured of the safety of 'keyhole' surgery for treating gall bladder problems, according to a report released today by Health Minister Graham Kierath.

The report showed there were fewer surgical complications from the procedure using a laparoscope and making a much smaller cut than with traditional open surgery, Mr Kierath said.

Rates of readmission to hospital and bile duct injury were similar, and deaths were even less common from the laparoscopic procedure than the traditional method.

"The benefits of this particular type of surgery are quite clear from the report," the Minister said.

"It has resulted in a significant increase in the number of people treated for this painful and sometimes dangerous condition.

"But hospital bed use has fallen, largely because of the much shorter hospital stay required for the 'keyhole' procedure.

"And the death rate of one in 1,000 for the laparoscopic procedure is much lower than the rate of one in 200 for the traditional procedure.

"The report also shows that complication, readmission and death rates in WA compare favourably with those reported elsewhere.

"And where complications do occur they appear to be less serious, with any readmissions being relatively short.

"I congratulate the medical profession in WA for this remarkable achievement, and for working closely with the Health Department to ensure that our high training and safety standards have been stringently observed."

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy - morbidity and mortality in WA, 1988-1993, published by the Health Department's epidemiology branch, reports that before 1991 the procedure was virtually unused in WA, but by 1993 comprised more than 70 per cent of all gallstone operations.

It also reports that almost three quarters of all gall bladder procedures are performed on females.

Copies of the report are available from the epidemiology branch by phoning (09) 222 4268.

Media contact:  Caroline Lacy 481 2133