An evaluation of the reliability of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with acute cholecystitis undergoing laparoscopic surgery

INTRODUCTION: Acute cholecystitis is observed quite commonly in emergency surgery clinics and parameters are needed for diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to determine whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is of benefit in the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis.
METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of patients who were hospitalized between January 2014 and February 2018 for the treatment of acute cholecystitis was conducted. The blood tests and radiological tests of the patients were evaluated. The NLR was calculated and compared with the clinical and laboratory values of the patients.
RESULTS: A total of 185 patients were identified, comprising 102 (55.1%) females and 83 (44.9%) males with a mean age of 51.5±15.9 years. The mean leukocyte count was 11.6±3.6 109/L and the mean C-reactive protein (CRP) value was 37±76.4 mg/L. Overall, 90 (48.6%) patients had normal leukocyte values and 59 (31.8%) patients had normal CRP values. In 20 (10.8%) patients with an NLR of approximately 1, only 1 (5%) was aged >60 years and all of the remaining patients were <45 years of age. In 53 (28.6%) patients, the NLR was determined to be approximately 2, and the NLR value was ≥3 in 112 (60.5%) patients.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Awareness of an increased NLR may be beneficial in the diagnosis of patients with acute cholecystitis.