Evaluation of Clinical Outcome of Early Laparoscpic Cholecystectomy for Acute Calculus Cholecystitis

P N Agarwal, MS, FICS, Sushant Verma, MS

MAMC AND LNH DELHI INDIA

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this randomized study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis and to compare the results with delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Between August 2010 and March 2012, 30 patients with a diagnosis of acute cholecystitis underwent early laparoscopic cholecystectomy within 72 hours of acute attack of cholecystitis. This study group was compared with a control group of 30 patients of cholelithiasis who underwent delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

RESULTS: Conversion rate (11% vs 6.7%) and operating time (65.78 min. vs 56.83 min.) was more in early group. There was no significant difference in the duration of postoperative stay, 24h postoperative analgesia requirements and postoperative pain scores. No complication was seen in either group.

CONCLUSIONS: Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe for acute cholecystitis, offering the additional benefit of a shorter hospital stay. It should be offered to patients within the first 72 hours. Although conversion rate and operating time is more in early group, evaluation of a larger study group is required for further analysis.

Session: Poster Presentation

Program Number: P337