Acute cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, usually due to a gallstone blocking the cystic duct.
What is this condition?
Obstruction causes gallbladder distension and inflammation.
Signs and symptoms
Persistent right upper abdominal pain, tenderness, fever, nausea and vomiting may occur.
Diagnostic assessment
Clinical examination, blood tests and ultrasound are common first-line assessments.
General treatment framework
Supportive care, antibiotics when appropriate and surgical planning are coordinated.
Role of surgery
Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a central treatment option for suitable patients.
