Cholelithiasis Flashcards
When do you recommend surgery for gall stones?
A second episodes of symptoms within 3 months of the first episode
Three episodes in a year
What is a cholecystostomy?
Surgical placement of a drain to remove pus in a gallbladder empyema and sepsis in order to stabilise a patient prior to definitive cholecystectomy
What is the normal diameter of the CBD?
2mm + 1mm/decade of life
What is the classic symptomatology of biliary colic?
RUQ pain (+/- to back)
Typically following a fatty meal
Constant pain that eventually recedes
+/- N/V
How do you differentiate cholecystitis from biliary colic?
The pain is constant and will not go away at any point, if it does go away then it’s biliary colic
What is Charcot’s triad?
Fever
Jaundice
RUQ Pain
Why do you use Abx in cholecystitis? Which ones do you use?
Prophylaxis
Ceftriaxone
Metronidazole
What is the most common type of gall stone? How do they form?
Cholesterol
Supersaturation of cholesterol in the gall bladder in a area of stasis and precipitation into stones
When do you operate for cholecystitis?
As soon as possible
What are some US findings for cholecystitis?
Enlarged
Thickened wall
Stones, perhaps in Hartman’s pouch
Rule out empyema, abscess
How might the passing of a troublesome gall stone be reflected in laboratory findings?
Decrease in bilirubin and liver enzymes
How is acute cholecystitis managed?
It is considered a surgical emergency but can be managed conservatively with antibiotics and fluids
For which disease is Murphy’s sign most sensitive?
Cholecystitis
What are some symptoms of cholecystitis?
Constant (>12 hours) RUQ pain
Fever
How does the pain of biliary colic and cholecystitis differ?
Biliary colic pain is less well localised and not accompanied by tenderness and guarding
Cholecystitis pain is well localised to the RUQ and often accompanied by tenderness and guarding
Why doesn’t Xray play a role in choleliathiasis?
Only 10-30% of cholesterol and pigment stones are radio-opaque