Outcomes of Early Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Cases of Acute Cholecystitis

Abstract

Background: Acute cholecystitis is a common and potentially severe condition requiring timely surgical intervention. Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been advocated as a treatment option to reduce morbidity and shorten hospital stays, yet its efficacy and safety continue to be subjects of clinical investigation. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients presenting with acute cholecystitis, focusing on operative time, intraoperative findings, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay. Methods: A prospective randomized study was conducted on 50 patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis, who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy within 2 to 7 days of symptom onset. The study was carried out at Sohag University hospitals through the period from June 2022 to July 2023. Patients were over 21 years. Preoperative assessments, surgical techniques, and postoperative care protocols were standardized. Data were collected on demographics, operative details, and clinical outcomes. Results: The mean age of patients was 46.6 ± 15.08 years, with predominance of female patients (62%). The average operative time was 91.4 ± 23.67 minutes. Intraoperatively, 64% of patients had a thickened gallbladder wall, and 78% had a distended gallbladder. Conversion to open cholecystectomy occurred in 2% of cases. Postoperative complications included bleeding in 8%, wound infections in 14%, bile leaks in 4%, and collections in 2% of patients. The average hospital stay was 4.8 ± 0.91 days. Conclusions: Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis is associated with a low conversion rate to open surgery, manageable postoperative complications, and a short hospital stay.