Meta-analysis comparing early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis

BackgroundPrevious studies comparing early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC) with delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC) for acute cholecystitis were incomplete. A meta-analysis was undertaken to compare the cost-effectiveness, quality of life, safety and effectiveness of ELCversusDLC. MethodsPubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that compared ELC (performed within 7 days of symptom onset) with DLC (undertaken at least 1 week after symptoms had subsided) for acute cholecystitis. ResultsSixteen studies reporting on 15 RCTs comprising 1625 patients were included. Compared with DLC, ELC was associated with lower hospital costs, fewer work days lost (mean difference (MD) -1107 (95 per cent c.i. -1621 to -594) days; P < 0001), higher patient satisfaction and quality of life, lower risk of wound infection (relative risk 065, 95 per cent c.i. 047 to 091; P = 001) and shorter hospital stay (MD -338 (-423 to -252) days; P < 0001), but a longer duration of operation (MD 1112 (457 to 1767) min; P < 0001). There were no significant differences between the two groups in mortality, bile duct injury, bile leakage, conversion to open cholecystectomy or overall complications. ConclusionFor patients with acute cholecystitis, ELC appears as safe and effective as DLC. ELC might be associated with lower hospital costs, fewer work days lost, and greater patient satisfaction. The sooner the better