SP6.1.5 Morbidity following emergency and elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholecystitis: a retrospective comparative cohort study

Abstract

Abstract Aims A comprehensive comparison of post-operative outcomes between emergency and elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for cholecystitis has not been conducted and the relative morbidity associated with emergency LC remains uncertain. Our aim was to evaluate the difference in early post-operative outcomes between emergency and elective LC for patients with cholecystitis. Method LC performed for cholecystitis across three surgical units between January 2015 and January 2020 were analysed retrospectively from multiple regional databases using deterministic records-linkage methodology. Rates of complications, further imaging, re-intervention, prolonged post-operative stay and re-admissions over a 100-day follow-up period were compared between emergency and elective groups using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results LC were performed for cholecysitits in 962 cases (median age, 52 years; M:F, 1:2.7; emergency:elective; 1:3.9). Emergency cholecystectomy had higher rates of complication (15.8% versus 8.8%;p<0.0001), prolonged post-operative stay (40.3% vs. 12.7%;p<0.0001), post-operative imaging and intervention (19.1% vs. 9.4%;p<0.0001) and readmission (11.1% vs. 7.0%;p=0.017). In the multivariate regression analysis, emergency LC was associated with prolonged admission (OR,5.7;p<0.0001), complication (OR,2.97;p<0.0001), post-operative imaging and intervention (OR,2.4;p=0.002) and readmission (OR,1.9; p = 0.06). Conclusions Despite current guidance, an emergency cholecystectomy remains a morbid procedure and we demonstrate increased risks of emergency LC versus elective LC. The increased risk of an emergency LC needs to be weighed up against the risk of further attacks from biliary pathology until elective surgery. Our data indicates that we need to readjust our selection criteria for the ‘emergency cholecystectomy patient’ and identify patients who will specifically benefit from earlier surgery.