Emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy in an unselected cohort: a safe and viable option in a specialist centre.

INTRODUCTION: Patients presenting acutely with symptomatic gallstone-related disease have historically had their laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) deferred due to perceived increased operative risks in the acute setting, particularly conversion to open surgery. The aim of this study was to compare morbidity and mortality between unselected cohorts of patients undergoing elective and 'emergency' LC in a District General Hospital.

METHODS: All gallstone-related elective and emergency admissions under the care of two specialist laparoscopic surgeons during a two-year period were included. Patients admitted acutely with a diagnosis of biliary colic, acute cholecystitis or gallstone pancreatitis underwent 'emergency' LC during the same admission. Data were collected prospectively on patient demographics, inpatient stay, post-operative course and POSSUM scores.

RESULTS: 423 patients underwent LC, of which 301 (71.1%) were elective and 122 (28.9%) were 'emergency' procedures. ASA grades and POSSUM physiologic scores were similar between the two groups. The overall morbidity rates were similar in the emergency and elective groups (13.1% vs. 7.3%, p = 0.088), and there was no significant difference in the rates of major complications including conversion to open surgery (0% vs. 0.3%, NS), bile leak or re-operation between the two groups. 30-day mortality rates were similar in the two groups (0.8% vs. 0%, NS).

CONCLUSION: When performed by specialist laparoscopic surgeons, LC in the acute setting is safe with mortality and morbidity rates, including conversion to open surgery, comparable to elective LC.