Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis.

One hundred and eight patients with histopathologically confirmed acute cholecystitis underwent laparoscopic or attempted laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the Security Forces Hospital, from October 1991 to April 1996 were retrospectively reviewed. All the patients had routine laboratory works including abdominal ultrasonography. Females represented 75% and 57% had previous admission. Diabetes mellitus was found in 43.5%. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was successfully completed in 71.2%. The main reasons for conversion in 31 patients were adhesions and unclear anatomy in 87%. The mean operative time was 96 minutes. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis can be a safe and effective alternative to open cholecystectomy provided a safe dissection of the ductal and vascular anatomy with liberal attitude towards conversion is adopted. Patients presenting with leukocytosis> 15,000/mm3, mass or diabetes are the most likely to be converted to open surgery.