Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy during acute cholecystitis seems safe and shortens the total hospital stay .
BACKGROUND Gallstones are present in about 10 % to 15 % of the adult western population .
Between 1 % and 4 % become symptomatic in a year .
Cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstones is mainly performed after the acute cholecystitis episode settles because of the fear of higher morbidity and conversion from laparoscopic cholecystectomy to open cholecystectomy during acute cholecystitis .
OBJECTIVES The aim was to compare the early laparoscopic cholecystectomy ( less than seven days of onset of symptoms ) versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy ( more than six weeks after index admission ) with regards to benefits and harms .
Impact of Choice of Therapeutic Strategy for Acute Cholecystitis on Patient’s Health-Related Quality of Life
Background : The aim of this prospect i ve , r and omized study was to determine if health related quality of life is affected by the choice of surgical strategy in the management of acute cholecystitis . Material and Methods : After diagnostic workup , patients were r and omized to one of two groups : ( 1 ) early laparoscopic cholecystectomy  ( i.e. within 7 days after onset of symptoms ) or ( 2 ) initial conservative treatment followed by delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy .  Seventy-four patients entered the early operation group and 71 patients were assigned to the delayed  operation  strategy . Assessment s of quality of life were made at 1 , 3 and 6 months after surgery , and in the delayed operation group also one month after the initial conservative treatment . Results : The gastrointestinal symptom scores were significantly better in three dimensions ( diarrhea , indigestion , abdominal pain ) one month after surgery for the acute operation group ( p < 0.01 ) . Three and 6 months after the operation we were unable to detect any significant differences between the groups . The patients in the delayed operation group did not appear to suffer from more symptoms in the period of time waiting for their elective operation . Psychological general well-being showed no major differences between the groups . Conclusion : Cholecystectomy in the acute phase of acute cholecystitis offers a significant reduction of gastrointestinal symptoms during the first postoperative month and to that associated improved quality of life in this group of patients
Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy during acute cholecystitis seems safe and shortens the total hospital stay .
BACKGROUND Gallstones are present in about 10 % to 15 % of the adult western population .
Between 1 % and 4 % become symptomatic in a year .
Cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstones is mainly performed after the acute cholecystitis episode settles because of the fear of higher morbidity and conversion from laparoscopic cholecystectomy to open cholecystectomy during acute cholecystitis .
OBJECTIVES The aim was to compare the early laparoscopic cholecystectomy ( less than seven days of onset of symptoms ) versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy ( more than six weeks after index admission ) with regards to benefits and harms .