Systematic Reviews
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World J Gastroenterol. Dec 14, 2014; 20(46): 17603-17617
Published online Dec 14, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i46.17603
Effects of laparoscopic cholecystectomy on lung function: A systematic review
George D Bablekos, Stylianos A Michaelides, Antonis Analitis, Konstantinos A Charalabopoulos
George D Bablekos, Konstantinos A Charalabopoulos, Department of Experimental Physiology, Medical School, Democritous University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
George D Bablekos, Technological Educational Institute of Athens, 12243 Egaleo, Greece
Stylianos A Michaelides, First Thoracic Medicine Department, “Sismanogleio” General Hospital, 15126 Athens, Greece
Antonis Analitis, Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Goudi, Athens, Greece.
Author contributions: Bablekos GD contributed to the acquisition of data; research design; drafting of the paper; analysis and medical interpretation of the data; and writing, revision and contribution to the final manuscript after reviewers’ suggestions; Michaelides SA contributed to the research design; drafting of the paper, analysis and medical interpretation of the data; and revision, and contribution to the final manuscript after reviewers’ suggestions; Analitis A contributed to the research design; drafting of the paper; statistics; and revision, and contribution to the final manuscript after reviewers’ suggestions; Charalabopoulos KA contributed to research design; drafting of the paper; and revision and contribution to the final manuscript after reviewers’ suggestions.
Correspondence to: George D Bablekos, MD, PhD, Department of Experimental Physiology, Medical School, Democritous University of Thrace, Dragana, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece. gbableko@otenet.gr
Telephone: +30-694-6030153 Fax: +30-210-8044779
Received: December 5, 2013
Revised: March 17, 2014
Accepted: June 17, 2014
Published online: December 14, 2014
Processing time: 378 Days and 0.2 Hours
Core Tip

Core tip: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy does not damage the abdominal muscles and diaphragmatic function is significantly less affected compared to the open method. This procedure is accompanied by a lower impact on respiratory function and better oxygenation. Mobilization can occur within the first twenty-four h postoperatively, thus preventing the formation of atelectasis. Atelectasis is known to be the primary cause of infective sequelae, which are associated with increased morbidity and mortality especially for patients with deranged lung function.