Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Acute Calculous Cholecystitis (Study of 75 cases)

Abstract

Background: Acute calculous cholecystitis is one of the commonest biliary tract emergencies. The advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy has brought about a change in the treatment approach from conservative to emergency surgical intervention. Emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy is emerging as the standard of care. Therefore the need to evaluate the various factors which determine the safety of the procedure. Aims: The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in acute calculous cholecystitis. Materials and methods: Consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute calculous cholecystitis over a 2-year-old period were studied prospectively. Results: 75 patients were evaluated. The mean age was 49.48 years. Majority presented with right hypochondriac pain. 22 patients had hypertension. 26 had diabetes and 6 patients had both hypertension and diabetes. In 61 patients the mean duration of surgery was less than 60 minutes. 5 patients needed conversion to an open procedure. 10 patients developed complications. The mean hospital stay was 4.34 days. Conclusion: Early emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and viable option for treating acute calculous cholecystitis.