Impact of choice of therapeutic strategy for acute cholecystitis on patient's health-related quality of life. Results of a randomized, controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this prospective, randomized study was to determine if health related quality of life is affected by the choice of surgical strategy in the management of acute cholecystitis.

METHODS

After diagnostic workup, patients were randomized to one of two groups: (1) early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (i.e. within 7 days after onset of symptoms) or (2) initial conservative treatment followed by delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Seventy-four patients entered the early operation group and 71 patients were assigned to the delayed operation strategy. Assessments of quality of life were made at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery, and in the delayed operation group also one month after the initial conservative treatment.

RESULTS

The gastrointestinal symptom scores were significantly better in three dimensions (diarrhea, indigestion, abdominal pain) one month after surgery for the acute operation group (p < 0.01). Three and 6 months after the operation we were unable to detect any significant differences between the groups. The patients in the delayed operation group did not appear to suffer from more symptoms in the period of time waiting for their elective operation. Psychological general well-being showed no major differences between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Cholecystectomy in the acute phase of acute cholecystitis offers a significant reduction of gastrointestinal symptoms during the first postoperative month and to that associated improved quality of life in this group of patients.