The timing of surgery for cholecystitis: a review of 202 consecutive patients at a large municipal hospital

Background Traditionally, cholecystectomy for cholecystitis is performed within 3 days of the onset of symptoms or after 5 weeks, allowing for resolution of the inflammatory response. This study reviewed the outcomes of cholecystectomy performed for patients with gallstone disease in the acute (n = 45), intermediate (n = 55), and delayed (n = 102) periods after the onset of symptoms. Methods The medical records of 202 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy at a large municipal hospital were reviewed retrospectively. The primary outcomes studied were length of hospital stay, conversion to open cholecystectomy, and complications. Results There was no significant difference in the conversion rate (acute [18%] vs intermediate [20%] vs delayed [11%]) or complication rate (acute [16%] vs intermediate [9%] vs delayed [7%]) among the 3 groups. The delayed group had a significantly shorter length of hospital stay than the intermediate or acute group (3.1 ± 3.8 vs 4.3 ± 3.8 vs 1.7 ± 2.1, respectively, P < .001). Conclusions Patients who present with acute symptoms of cholecystitis should undergo surgery during the same admission, regardless of the duration of symptoms.