Utilizing the described technique, we have been able to obtain adequate cephalad retraction of the acutely inflamed, tense, and thick-walled gallbladder with minimal trauma. This has made it possible to more adequately identify key anatomical landmarks and to more safely perform the dissection in this area. We believe that the benefits of a shorter hospital stay, decreased postoperative pain, and earlier return to normal activity that patients realize when having an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for chronic cholecystitis can be made available as well to more patients presenting with acute cholecystitis.