Evaluating Surgical Outcomes in Acute Cholecystectomies.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to identify the predictors of surgical outcomes in acute cholecystitis (AC).

METHODS

Patients undergoing cholecystectomy for AC between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2019 at a single center were retrospectively reviewed. Conversion rate (CR), laparoscopic success rate (LSR), mortality, and bile duct injury (BDI) were evaluated in light of sex, age, ultrasound morphological diagnoses, severity of cholecystitis, performance status, time frame, and introduction of percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD).

RESULTS

A total of 465 patients underwent early cholecystectomy. CR and LSR were 16.89% and 78.28%, respectively; the mortality rate was 1.62%. Increased severity of cholecystitis (grade I vs II vs III) was associated with increased mortality (1.17 vs 2.27 vs 8.33%,  = .183) and CR (7.09 vs 32.93 vs 28.57%,  < .001) and decreased LSR (91.11 vs 61.11 vs 38.46%,  < .001). Surgery within 72 hours had lower mortality (1.41 vs 2.6%,  = .613) with significantly lower CR (14.45 vs 25.71%,  = .008) and higher LSR (81.69 vs 67.53%,  = .008) compared to surgery after 72 hours. Mortality (0 vs 0.92 vs 6.19%,  = .001) and CR (4.2 vs 16.27 vs 39.53%,  < .001) increased with an increase in Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), while LSR decreased (95.8 vs 79.91 vs 50.49%,  < .001).

CONCLUSION

CCI and the severity of cholecystitis had the strongest influence on CR and LSR. Cholecystectomies performed within 72 hours were associated with reduced CR and increased LSR. PTGBD is a viable treatment option in elderly high-risk patients.