Laparoscopy or laparotomy in acute cholecystitis (200 cases). Comparison of the results and factors predictive of conversion

STUDY AIM: The aim of this prospective study was to compare the results of cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis through laparoscopic and open approach and to assess factors responsible for conversion into laparotomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 1991 to October 1997, 200 patients with calculous acute cholecystitis were operated on in the same center, 100 through laparoscopy and 100 through laparotomy. Choice between these two procedures was only dependent on the disresponsibility of videolaparoscopic material. Comparison between laparoscopy and laparotomy groups concerned postoperative mortality and morbidity rates, hospital stay duration and late results. Intraoperative conversion into laparotomy occurred in 24 patients and factors responsible for conversion were assessed with univaried and multivaried analysis. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable with regard to sex ratio, age, ASA score but associated diseases incidence, plastron, fever above 38 degrees C and leucocytosis were significantly more frequent in the laparotomy group and delay between diagnosis and surgery was significantly longer in the laparoscopic group. There were two postoperative deaths in the laparotomy group, 0 in the laparoscopic group (NS). Morbidity rate was higher (32% versus 10%) (p = 0.0002) and hospital stay longer (12 +/- 10 days, versus 5 +/- 3) in the laparotomy group (p = 0.00005). Late results were similar in both groups. Conversion rate into laparotomy was 24%. Factors predisposing significantly to conversion were in univaried analysis: plastron, fever above 38 degrees C, leucocytosis, delay between diagnosis and surgery above 4 days, presence on ultrasonography of pericholecystic liquid and gallbladder wall edema, presence of "Klebsiella" in gallbladder bile. With multivaried analysis, leucocytosis and delay between diagnosis and surgery were the only independent factors. CONCLUSION: Videolaparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and efficient technique in the treatment of acute cholecystitis, with a lower postoperative morbidity rate and a shorter hospital stay. Conversion rate into laparotomy is significantly dependent on leucocytosis and delay between diagnosis and surgery. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy should be performed as soon as possible in acute cholecystitis.