Due to shorter hospital stay in the early laparoscopic cholecystectomy, it is preferred over delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy in people suffering from acute cholecystitis.

To compare early vs delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis, a systematic review was conducted.

Clinical databases were explored for relevant literature search. Randomized and non-randomized clinical studies comparing early (< 7 days of clinical presentation with acute cholecystitis) vs delayed (> 6 weeks post index admission and conservative treatment) laparoscopic cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis patients were incorporated.

Operation time, conversion to open surgery, postoperative complications, postoperative pain and usage of analgesia, length of hospital stay, and duration of antibiotic treatment were all evaluated in 16 trials. Early and delayed laparoscopic surgery was found to be comparable for all of the above outcomes (except one criteria). There is still an area of contention surrounding the endpoint antibiotic duration after surgery.

Both delayed and early laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be safely and feasibly performed to treat acute cholecystitis without complications. However, early cholecystectomy is beneficial over delayed cholecystectomy in terms of hospital stay.