Timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in 467 patients between November 1989 and April 1991. Fifty-four patients (12%) had acute inflammatory changes. These were divided into three different groups: group 1-13 patients who admitted having an attack of right upper quadrant pain within 24-48 h of their scheduled elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy; group 2-23 patients who had a history of acute cholecystitis treated 4-6 weeks before their elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy; group 3-18 patients who were admitted to the hospital and were diagnosed with acute cholecystitis; they had laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed in the same admission. All patients had a successful laparoscopic removal of their gallbladder except 2 in group 3 who had to be converted to an open procedure. Analysis of the operative time, complications, and hospital stay showed that after adequate experience is gained in performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, acute cholecystitis is not a contraindication. The procedure is faster and safer if performed in the first 24-48 h of the onset of the symptoms. Different technical maneuvers are needed due to the nature of the disease.