Urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the management of acute cholecystitis: timing does not influence conversion rate

Background The optimal treatment of acute cholecystitis is urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Most reports suggest that a delay of 72 or 96 h from onset of symptoms leads to a higher conversion rate. This study assessed the conversion rate in relation to the timing of urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis. Methods During a 12 month period, 112 patients received laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis at a tertiary care university hospital in central Taiwan. Data were collected prospectively. Results The overall conversion rate was 3.6% (4/112). Of 62 procedures performed within 72 h from onset of symptoms, 2 were converted, as compared with 2 of 50 procedures after 72 h. Of 76 procedures performed within 96 h from onset of symptoms, 3 were converted, as compared with 1 of 36 procedures after 96 h. There were no mortalities or common bile duct injuries. Conclusions The conversion rate for urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy among patients with acute cholecystitis can be as low as 3.6%. The timing of urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy has no impact on the conversion rate.