Comparison of Early Versus Delayed Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Patients with Acute Calculus Cholecystitis: A Single-Centre Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction:
Acute calculus cholecystitis is a frequent cause of biliary morbidity, and
laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the preferred treatment. Early surgery
may limit inflammation and reduce pain duration, while delayed
surgery allows resolution of acute symptoms. Comparing outcomes of
early versus delayed intervention is essential to guide optimal surgical
timing and improve patient recovery.
Objective:
To compare the outcomes of early versus delayed laparoscopic
cholecystectomy in patients with acute calculus cholecystitis.
Methods:
Acomparative cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department
of Surgery, Sylhet Women’s Medical College Hospital from January
2023 to December 2024. A total of 86 patients were divided into two
groups: early surgery (within 72 hours of symptom onset) and delayed
surgery (after 72 hours, following 4-6 weeks of conservative
management). Outcomes assessed included duration of surgery,
complications, conversion to open surgery, hospital stay, post-operative
pain, time to return to normal activities, and port site infection.
Results:
Early surgery was associated with shorter duration of abdominal pain
(3.05 vs. 4.15 days, p<0.001), higher WBC count (p=0.003), and
elevated bilirubin (p<0.001), reflecting more acute presentation.
Operation time, postoperative pain, and return to normal activities were
similar. Nausea, vomiting, and positive Murphy’s sign were more
frequent in the early group (p<0.05). No differences were observed in
complications, conversion to open surgery, or port-site infection,
indicating comparable safety for both approaches.
Conclusion:
Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy effectively reduces pain duration
and addresses acute inflammation without increasing complications,
making it a safe and preferable approach for acute calculus
cholecystitis.