Effective and Timing of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for 223 Cases of Acute Cholecystitis

Objective To investigate the timing and efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for acute cholecystitis. Methods 223 cases of acute cholecystitis treated with LC were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups based on the length of time from onset of symptoms to surgical intervention: less than 48 h group (early group, n=97) and more than 48 hours group (delayed group, n=126). Results Compared with early groups, the operative time, conversion rates to an open procedure,postoperative hospitalization and total success rate were significantly reduced in delayed group (P0.05 or P0.01). Conclusions LC is a safe andeffective surgical treatment of acute cholecystitis, and patients treated within 48 hours of onset of symptoms have better efficacy.