EARLY VS. DELAYED LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY FOR ACUTE CHOLECYSTITIS

Background:Acute cholecystitis, an inflammation of the gallbladder, is a common surgical emergency that requires prompt intervention. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard treatment. However, the optimal timing of surgery whether early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC) performed within 72 hours of symptom onset or delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC) after conservative management remains a subject of debate.

Objective:This study aims to compare the outcomes of early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis, focusing on parameters such as operative time, complication rates, conversion to open surgery, hospital stay duration, and overall patient morbidity.

Methods:A prospective comparative study was conducted at a tertiary care center, including patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis. Patients were divided into two groups: ELC (surgery within 72 hours) and DLC (surgery after conservative management for 6,8 weeks). Operative and postoperative outcomes were recorded and analyzed statistically.

Conclusion:Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with shorter hospital stays, lower conversion rates, and reduced morbidity compared to delayed surgery. Based on these findings, ELC should be the preferred approach for managing acute cholecystitis.