Day versus night laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: A comparison of outcomes and cost

Abstract Background Recent studies have suggested higher complication and conversion to open rates for nighttime laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and recommend against the practice. We hypothesize that patients undergoing night LC for acute cholecystitis have decreased hospital length of stay and cost with no difference in complication and conversion rates. Methods A retrospective review of patients with acute cholecystitis who underwent LC from October 2011 through June 2015 was performed. Complication rates, length of stay, and cost of hospitalization were compared between patients undergoing day cholecystectomy and night cholecystectomy. Results Complication rates and costs did not differ between the day and night groups. Length of stay was shorter in the night group (2.4 vs 2.8 days, p = 0.002). Conclusions Performing LC for acute cholecystitis during night-time hours does not increase risk of complications and decreases length of stay.