Background & Objectives: The first Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy surgery was performed by Erich Muhe in 1985.Nowadays in developed countries, more than 90% of cholecystectomy surgeries are done by Laparoscopic method and it is one of the most common elective surgeries. The aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency and side effects of this method and the rate of conversion to open surgery patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery in Sabalan and Arta hospitals in Ardabil province.

  Methods: This descriptive analytical study was performed between October 2006 and January 2009. We have studied 200 patients (24 male, 176 female) with cholecystitis (symptomatic gallstones) treated by Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy surgery. Data were collected through questionnaires and telephone calls (at least 6 months after surgery). Data analysis was done by SPSS statistical software and chi-square test. p<0.05 was considered as significant.

  Results: The average age of patients was 44.6 years. In the final diagnosis, 168 patients (84%) had chronic cholecystitis and 32 patients (16%) had acute cholecystitis. The rate of conversion to open surgery was 8 patients (4%). Eight cases (4%) were suffered organic side effects including: four cases (2%) jaundice after surgery, 1 case (0.5%) postoperative fever, 1 case (0.5%) leakage of bile, 1 case (0.5%) slight leaking of serum from the surgical site and 1 case (0.5%) associated with increased liver enzymes that had no other symptoms. About the risk factors for conversion to open surgery, there was significant correlation between acute cholecystitis and male gender. Information about the satisfaction of patients after surgery showed that, 89.5% were completely satisfied, 2.5% were completely dissatisfied and 8% were relatively dissatisfied. No deaths were seen.

  Conclusion: Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is a standard selective treatment method for gallbladder stones. It has many advantages including reduced duration of hospitalization, less pain, reduced morbidity and less side effects than open surgery, lower recovery period and faster return to normal life.