Acute cholecystitis Flashcards
What is acute cholecystitis?
Acute inflammation of the gallbladder
What does acute cholecystitis occur secondary to?
Gallstones
What are the main presenting symptoms of acute cholecystitis?
RUQ pain (radiate to shoulder tip)
Fever
Nausea and vomiting
Where might the pain radiate to in someone with acute cholecystitis?
Shoulder tip
What will be positive in someone with acute cholecystitis?
Murphy’s sign
What is a positive murphy’s sign?
Inspiratory arrest upon palpation of the right upper quadrant
What tends to be normal in someone with acute cholecystitis?
LFT’s
What is the first line investigation for acute cholecystitis?
Ultrasound
What is the management of acute cholecystitis?
IV antibiotics
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
When should laparoscopic cholecystectomy be carried out?
Within 1 week of diagnosis
How can acute cholecystitis be differentiated from acute cholangitis?
Acute cholangitis- Jaundice and patient not usually systemically unwell
What is a cholecystectomy?
Removal of the gallbladder
