Early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis: A prospective study.

The optimal timing for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with acute calculous cholecystitis remains unclear. Therefore, it is of interest to compare early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 246 patients with acute calculous cholecystitis. Early surgery performed within 72 hours showed significantly shorter operative time, reduced hospital stay and faster return to normal activity. Conversion to open surgery and postoperative complications were similar between both groups. Delayed surgery required longer operative duration and hospitalization despite comparable safety outcomes. Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy within 72 hours is more effective and efficient, with shorter operative time, reduced hospital stay and quicker recovery compared to delayed surgery.