Videolaparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: analyzing conversion risk factors.

We examined a series of 176 consecutive patients scheduled for videolaparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis to identify the independent parameters most likely to lead to conversion to laparotomy. This prospective study was conducted from June 2001 to December 2003 on 176 consecutive patients who were scheduled for videolaparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis. Of the 176 patients, 119 (group A) underwent videolaparoscopic chlecystectomy, and 57 (32.3%) were converted to laparotomy (group B). Patients were assessed for gender, age, time between onset of symptoms and surgery, previous surgery, ASA (American Society of Anesthesia) risk, leukocytosis, echotomographic findings, average operating time, intra- and post-operative complications, and conversion rate. Our study found that the parameters of age, ASA risk, duration of symptoms, leukocytosis, and operative time are independent conversion risk factors.