Hem-o-lok clips are safe and efficacious for laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Preliminary results of a single center experience

Introduction: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the outcomes after laparoscopic cholecystectomy using titanium clips or Hem-o-lok polymeric clips to close cystic artery and cystic duct. Methods: A total of 154 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder disease from January 2019 to December 2019 at the Department of Surgery of the San Giovanni Addolorata Hospital in Rome (Italy) were studied retrospectively. In 100 patients, titanium clips were used, while Hem-o-lok clips were used in 54 patients. In the two groups, patients' demographic characteristics, laboratory tests and postoperative complications were analyzed. Results: The mean length of hospital stay was shorter in the Hem-o-lok group compared to the titanium clips group (2.0 SD0.7 vs. 3.6 SD5.5, p < 0.05). The overall complication rates for the titanium clips and the Hem-o-lock clips groups were 9% and 0% 7 days after surgery (p < 0.05), 10% and 9.3% 30 days after surgery, 13% and 16.7% 180 days after surgery. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the typology of complications. Conclusion: Based on our results, Hem-o-lock have better postoperative outcomes after laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder disease in terms of complication rate 7 days after surgery and in terms of mean length of hospital stay. Keywords: laparoscopic cholecystectomy; Hem-O-Lok polymeric clips; titanium clips; biliary leakage; retrospective study.