Outcome of early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis

Aim: compare morbidity and mortality in early and delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy in two groups of acute cholecystitis. methods: this quasi experimental study was carried out at department of general surgery unit-iv of jinnah hospital,lahore 6 months from june 2009 to november 2009. a total of 60 patients of acute cholecystitis were included between 20-65 years of age and were admitted through accident & emergency and out-patient departments. patients were randomly allocated into two groups; group one underwent early laparoscopic cholecstectomy while the other had delayed surgery. results: the mean age in early group was 37.73�8.77 while in delayed group 47.27�11.38. female to male ratio was 4:1 in early group and 6.5:1 in delayed group. the main presenting feature was pain in right hypochondrium in both groups. postoperative wound infection 1(3%) and fever 2 (7%) were noted in early while in delayed group wound infection was 1 (3%) and fever 3 (10%). conclusion: we concluded that early laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and effective method for treatment of acute cholecystitis. the results of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy are superior to delayed cholecystectomy in experienced hands.