There were significantly more severe forms of acute cholecystitis in patients operated 25–72 h following symptom onset.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, for acute cholecystitis, during the first 24 h of onset of symptoms, significantly reduced conversion to open surgery.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, for during the first 24 h significantly reduced total hospital stay without increasing postoperative complications.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy during the first 24 h significantly reduced direct medical costs.