Objective  To explore the timing choosing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for patients with acute suppurative cholecystitis after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGD).

  Methods  Forty-two patients with acute suppurative cholecystitis treated in General Surgery Department of our hospital were selected as study subjects. According to the order of admission, patients were divided into three groups, with 14 cases per group. Group A underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy immediately after emergency treatment, group B underwent second operation within 60 days after PTGD operation, and group C re-operated with the interval of more than 60 days. After operation, the operative basic conditions and the conditions of the three groups were compared.

  Results  Groups B and C underwent two successful operations, the thickness of gallbladder wall, the time of operation and the amount of bleeding before re-operation in group B were significantly better than those in the other two groups (P < 0.05). There were intraoperative situations and postoperative complications in the three groups, but the operation was effectively treated. The length of hospital stay, the incidence of conversion to laparotomy and the incidence of complications were lower than groups A and C (P < 0.05).

  Conclusion  Implementation of laparoscopic cholecystectomy within 60 days after PTDG is the best choice for patients with acute suppurative cholecystitis, and it can effectively guarantee the patient's health, reduce the recovery time of patients. But it is of no significance to prolonging the operative time.