Introduction.

In patients with acute cholecystitis who receive treatment with cholecystostomy, the optimal duration of antibiotic therapy is unknown. The objective of this study is to compare short courses of antibiotics (7 days or less) with long courses (more than 7 days) in this population.

Methods.

We performed a retrospective observational cohort study which included patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis, who received antibiotic therapy and were taken to cholecystostomy. Univariate analysis and logistic regression were performed to evaluate the association between clinical variables and the duration. The main outcome evaluated was 30-day mortality.

Results.

Seventy-two patients were included, 25% (n=18) were given 7 or fewer days of antibiotics while 75% (n=54) were given them for more than 7 days. Demographic data between both groups were similar (age, severity of cholecystitis, comorbidities). There were no significant differences in 30-day mortality between both groups. Antibiotic duration did not influence mortality at 30 days (OR 0.956, 95% CI 0.797 - 1.146).

Conclusion.

There are no significant differences in the clinical outcomes of patients with acute cholecystitis who undergo cholecystostomy and receive short courses of antibiotics compared to long courses.

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