Abstract
Introduction: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is a recommended treatment for acute cholecystitis (AC). Despite its wider use, evidence from India is sparse. We evaluated the outcomes of LC in AC and determined the factors predicting longer hospital stay after LC for AC.
Material and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of adult patients diagnosed with AC who underwent LC at our center. We determined the success rate, complications, length of hospital stay and factors associated with prolonged hospital stay.
Results: Between 2021 and 2022, a total of 103 patients underwent LC for AC. The mean age of the patients was 55.0±15.1 years and 46.6% were males. Hypertension and diabetes were present in 59.2% and 35% cases respectively. Etiologically, 88.4% and 11.6% patients had calculous and acalculous cholecystitis. Laparoscopically, visibly inflamed gall bladder was seen in 90.3% cases and 48.5% has multiple gall stone. Gangrenous and perforated GB were seen in 19.4% and 5.4% cases, respectively. Older age, male sex, hypertension, higher number of ports used and delayed LC (after 24 hours) were associated with longer duration of hospital stay. No patient had conversion to open surgery nor there were any complications in any of the patients. LC was successful in 100% of cases.
Conclusion: Early LC (within 24 hours) in patients with AC including the complicated cases such as gangrenous or perforated gall bladder is feasible and is associated with good outcomes without significant complications and reduced stay in the hospital. It should be advised in all AC cases as early as possible to improve the patient outcomes.

Key words: Acute Cholecystitis, Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, Gall stones