Incidence and Post-Discharge Complications Following Subtotal Cholecystectomy

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor of Surgery Department of Surgery, School of Medicine Shahid Beheshti Hospital Qom University of Medical Sciences

2 Assistant Professor of Community Medicine Department of Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine Spiritual Health Research Center Qom University of Medical Sciences

3 Assistant Professor of Surgery School of Medicine Shahid Beheshti Hospital Qom University of Medical Sciences

4 School of Medicine Shahid Beheshti Hospital Qom University of Medical Sciences

5 Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran

10.22034/ijs.2026.2096457.1023
Abstract
Introduction: Subtotal cholecystectomy is a safe alternative to total cholecystectomy in difficult gallbladder cases. This study investigated the outcomes of STC over a decade in a single Iranian medical center.
Methods: In this retrospective study, 156 patients undergoing subtotal cholecystectomy in hospitals affiliated to Qom University of Medical Sciences from 2013 to 2023 were reviewed. Demographic information, surgical characteristics, complications, and postoperative outcomes were extracted and analyzed.
Findings: The mean age of the patients was 54.7 years, and 55.8% of them were female. Most surgeries were performed electively (61.5%) and with a laparoscopic approach (64.7%). The conversion rate to open surgery was 4.5%. Bile leakage was the most common complication (19.2%), and cystic duct closure reduced its risk by 75%. Recurrence of symptoms was observed in 1.7% of patients and was significantly associated with bile leakage, wound infection, prolonged operative time, and conversion to open surgery.
Conclusion: Subtotal cholecystectomy is a safe and effective procedure for complex gallbladder cases. Choosing a technique appropriate to the patient's anatomy and closing the cystic duct can reduce complications and the likelihood of recurrence.


Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 07 November 2026