[Acute cholecystitis: primarily conservative or operative approach?]

Acute cholecystitis is one of the most common acute surgical diseases. There is a consensus that laparoscopic cholecystectomy is recommended as the treatment of choice; however, there is a controversy about the best time for surgery. In contrast to delayed cholecystectomy after initial antibiotic treatment, early or immediate cholecystectomy seems to have some advantages. Recent studies and meta-analyses have several limitations due to small patient numbers and inhomogeneity in treatment design. Nevertheless, international guidelines tend to recommend early cholecystectomy but the most recent concept of immediate cholecystectomy within 24 h after diagnosis independent of the onset of symptoms is not considered. A current prospective multicenter, randomized controlled trial will shortly bring more clarity to this topic (ACDC trial).