[laparoscopic cholecystectomy and acute cholecystitis--feasibility and morbidity]

This quality control study was devised to establish, wether laparoscopic cholecystectomy is recommendable for acute cholecystitis. Of 314 prospectively recorded laparoscopic cholecystectomies 59 were done for histologically proven acute cholecystitis within 3 years. 29 cases (49.2%) were converted to open cholecystectomy due to unsatisfactory exposure and recognition of anatomical structures or haemorrhage. Morbidity with laparoscopic cholecystectomy without conversion was 16.6% (5/30 patients), mortality zero. There were no common bile duct injuries. Our results show that, if the operation is performed by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon or under one's supervision, laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis is safe. A low threshold for converting to open laparotomy must be observed particularly when anatomical structures are not clearly identified.