Which condition is a relative contraindication to laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

Which condition is a relative contraindication to laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

• A. Portal hypertension
• B. Acute pancreatitis
• C. Cholelithiasis without symptoms
• D. Hypothyroidism

Answer: (A)

Portal hypertension raises the risk during laparoscopy because of fragile liver tissue, coagulopathy, and portal-systemic varices that can bleed more easily when the abdomen is insufflated and dissected. The presence of ascites and enlarged spleen further complicates visualization and access, making the procedure technically more challenging. Because these factors increase the chance of significant intraoperative bleeding and postoperative complications, portal hypertension is considered a relative contraindication to laparoscopic cholecystectomy: the operation may still be done in carefully selected patients with optimization (corrected coagulopathy, controlled ascites, careful technique) or converted to an open approach if needed. By contrast, cholelithiasis without symptoms does not require surgery and is not a contraindication, acute pancreatitis can be managed first and gallbladder removal scheduled after stabilization in many cases, and hypothyroidism is not a contraindication when adequately treated.

Portal hypertension raises the risk during laparoscopy because of fragile liver tissue, coagulopathy, and portal-systemic varices that can bleed more easily when the abdomen is insufflated and dissected. The presence of ascites and enlarged spleen further complicates visualization and access, making the procedure technically more challenging. Because these factors increase the chance of significant intraoperative bleeding and postoperative complications, portal hypertension is considered a relative contraindication to laparoscopic cholecystectomy: the operation may still be done in carefully selected patients with optimization (corrected coagulopathy, controlled ascites, careful technique) or converted to an open approach if needed. By contrast, cholelithiasis without symptoms does not require surgery and is not a contraindication, acute pancreatitis can be managed first and gallbladder removal scheduled after stabilization in many cases, and hypothyroidism is not a contraindication when adequately treated.