['To assess the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis.', 'Between June 1993 and December 1996, 424 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy; 45 (10.6%) had acute cholecystitis confirmed by ultrasound.', 'All 45 patients were opened within 72 hours of admission. Conversion to open cholecystectomy was necessary in three patients (6.7%). The mean operating time was 126 minutes (range: 40-300 minutes). There was no mortality or common bile duct injury in this series. The postoperative stay averaged 3.9 days (range: I to 11 days). There was no delayed morbidity after a mean follow-up of 2 years.'] Is laparoscopic cholecystectomy feasible and safe in acute cholecystitis?