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 I 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.