Interval Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: What is the Best Timing for Surgery?

BACKGROUND

The timing of interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy continues to be a matter of debate.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the best timing for performing this procedure after an episode of acute cholecystitis.

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis, we divided 213 patients into three groups based on the time that elapsed from an episode of acute cholecystitis to surgery: Group 1: 1-6 weeks, Group II: 6-12 weeks, Group III: > 12 weeks.

RESULTS

The mean operative time ranged from 51 to 59 minutes, complication rate 2.6%-5.9%, conversion rate 2.6%-10.8%, length of hospitalization 1.55-2.2 days, and the 30 day readmission rate 2.7%-7.9%. There were no statistically significant differences between the study groups in the primary outcome parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the lack of statistically significant differences between the groups, interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed safely and without increasing the complication rate within 6 weeks after the acute episode as well as 12 weeks after. However, a trend towards higher conversion and complication rates was observed in Group II (6-12 weeks).