Prolonged Versus Delayed Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis

Gallbladder stone affects 10-15% of the adult population, and about 15-25% of these patients presented with acute cholecystitis (AC). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is considered the treatment of choice for patients with AC, and recent studies suggest that early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC) is preferable. However, the optimal time for ELC in AC is still controversial.Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC) was advised for patients presented within 72 hours, while conservative treatment and planned delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC) after six weeks was recommended for patients presented after 72 hours. Surgeons almost always encounter patients with AC lasting more than 72 hours and these patients consistently refuse conservative treatment and postpone for the DLC.

Inclusion Criteria:Patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis beyond 72 hours of symptoms,American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores I - III,Aged 20-60 years,Agreement to complete the studyExclusion Criteria:Gallbladder polyp,common bile duct stones,acute biliary pancreatitis,cholangitis,perforated cholecystitis,biliary peritonitis,pregnancy