[Optimal dates of surgery for acute calculous cholecystitis]

To analyze the results of surgical treatment of acute calculous cholecystitis depending on dates of surgery.

There were 123 patients with acute calculous cholecystitis in 2017. The sample enrolled 111 females (90.2%) and 12 (9.8%) males. Mean age of patients was 63.4±5.7 years. Patients were divided into 4 groups depending on dates of surgery. Group A - 18 (16.2%) patients with destructive forms of cholecystitis. These patients underwent surgery after a short preoperative preparation. Group B comprised of 32 patients (28.8%) who were operated within 72 hours. Group C enrolled 34 patients (30.7%). These patients underwent operation within 7-12 days after clinical manifestation of disease. Group D enrolled 27 patients (24.3%). Delayed surgical strategy was applied in this group. Surgical treatment was scheduled 2-3 months later. Duration of surgery, intraoperative technical features, length of hospital-stay and postoperative morbidity were studied.

Similar outcomes were observed in groups A and B. Group B was characterized by less duration of surgery and hospital-stay. The most significant technical difficulties arose in group C. The best results were achieved in group D.

Surgical treatment of acute calculous cholecystitis within 72 hours after clinical manifestation is the most preferable. However, surgical treatment should be performed in few months if medication is effective.