Postoperative Outcomes after Index vs Interval Cholecystectomy for Perforated Cholecystitis.

Background Gallbladder perforation is a known morbid sequela of acute cholecystitis, yet evidence for its optimal management remains conflicting. This study compares outcomes in patients with perforated cholecystitis who underwent cholecystectomy at the time of index hospital admission to those who underwent interval cholecystectomy. Study Design A retrospective analysis was conducted of 654 patients from the ACS NSQIP database who underwent cholecystectomy for perforated cholecystitis (2006-2018). Primary outcomes were 30-day postoperative major and minor morbidity, 30-day mortality, and need for prolonged hospitalization. Patient and procedure characteristics and outcomes were compared using Mann-Whitney rank sum test for continuous variables and Pearson chi square tests for categorical variables. A subset analysis was conducted of patients matched on propensity for receiving interval cholecystectomy. Results The 30-day postoperative mortality rate of matched cohort patients undergoing index cholecystectomy was 7% vs. 0% of patients undergoing interval cholecystectomy (P = .01). The 30-day minor morbidity rates were 2% for Index and 8% for Interval patients (P = .06), while the major morbidity rates were 33% for Index and 14% for Interval patients (P = .003). Of the Index patients, 27% required prolonged hospitalization, compared to 6% of Interval patients (P Conclusion Patients who underwent index cholecystectomy had significantly longer postoperative hospitalizations and higher 30-day postoperative major morbidity and mortality. There were no differences in 30-day minor morbidity. Selected patients with perforated cholecystitis may benefit from operative management on an interval, rather than urgent, basis.