DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sasjs.2025.v11i03.014

Pages: 326-332

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the standard treatment for acute cholecystitis (AC), but the procedure poses significant challenges during the learning curve, especially in complex cases. This study evaluates the difficulties encountered by surgeons at the beginning while performing Laparoscopic surgery in AC. Objective: To assess the challenges faced by beginner surgeons initially while performing LC for AC. Methods: This prospective study was conducted at BIRDEM General Hospital from July 2023 to June 2024, involving 97 patients with AC who underwent LC. Patients aged 25–72 years with AC were included, while those with severe comorbidities (ASA III or higher), chronic cholecystitis, gallbladder polyps, choledocholithiasis, pancreatitis, or a history of previous laparotomy were excluded. Data were analyzed by MS Office tools. Results: Among the 97 patients with acute cholecystitis, 47.4% had a single episode before surgery, 34.0% had two episodes, and 19.6% had repeated attacks. Per-operative findings highlighted challenges such as varying degrees of pericholecystic adhesion, with 58.7% having none to minimal adhesion in single-episode patients. Surgical procedures were predominantly completed within 2 hours (51.5%), while a few cases needed more than 2 hours and active assistance from expert senior surgeons. Here the findings emphasize the complexities faced during the learning curve of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis and some tips and tricks to acquire expertise and better patients outcome. Conclusion: The learning curve for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis is steeper due to patient-related factors and technical challenges. However, with preparation, skill acquisition, teamwork, and continued training, surgeons can overcome these obstacles and achieve excellent outcomes.