Comparative Study Between Early Versus Delayed Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Acute Cholecystitis

Background: Acute cholecystitis (AC) is a common complication of gallstone disease, with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) as the gold standard treatment. The optimal timing—early (ELC) versus delayed (DLC)—remains a topic of debate. Therefore, the aim of study is to compare perioperative outcomes of ELC and DLC in patients with AC. Material and Methods: A randomised controlled trial was conducted in the Department of General Surgery, Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College & Research Centre, Moradabad, over 18 months. A total of 224 patients (aged>18 years) with AC, diagnosed clinically and radiologically, were randomised into ELC (within 72 hours of admission) and DLC (6–12 weeks after initial conservative management) groups (n = 112 each). Demographic data, intra-operative findings, postoperative complications, and mortality were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v20, with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: Mean age was 38.09±11.99 years; females comprised 89.7% of cases. Conversion to open surgery occurred in 0.9% overall. Common postoperative complications included wound infection (ELC 3.6%, DLC 4.5%), subhepatic collection (ELC 2.7%, DLC 3.6%), and bile duct injury (ELC 0.9%, DLC 1.8%); differences were statistically insignificant (p>0.05). The mean hospital stay was shorter in the ELC group. No mortality occurred in either group. Conclusion: ELC for AC is safe, feasible, and associated with reduced hospital stay without increasing morbidity or mortality compared to DLC. ELC offers clinical and economic advantages and may be recommended irrespective of symptom onset time.