13 Questions
What is one of the therapeutic uses of ERCP?
To remove stones from the CBD
In what cases is PTC used?
In patients with severe biliary obstruction and sepsis
What is a common indication for cholecystectomy?
Gallstone-induced pancreatitis
What is a complication of PTC?
Bleeding
How is cholecystectomy usually performed?
Laparoscopically
What is a common feature of acute cholecystitis?
Nausea and/or vomiting
What is a complication of prolonged gallbladder outlet obstruction?
Inflammation due to concentrated bile
What is a common finding on examination in acute cholecystitis?
Tenderness and guarding in the RUQ
What is a diagnostic test for gallstones in the CBD?
MRCP
What is a therapeutic procedure for removing obstructing CBD stones?
ERCP
What is a medication required in patients with acute cholecystitis, cholangitis and acute severe pancreatitis?
Antibiotics
What is a condition that may be corrected by administration of Vitamin K?
Coagulopathy
What is a feature of chronic cholecystitis?
Recurrent episodes of pain with or without fever
Study Notes
Cholecystitis
- May be associated with nausea and/or vomiting
- Patient is usually systemically well
Acute Cholecystitis
- Prolonged gallbladder outlet obstruction leading to inflammation due to concentrated bile
- May be complicated by infection, pus (empyema), or mucus (mucocele)
- Often a history of previous biliary colic
- RUQ/epigastric pain that becomes more severe, constant, and localized after a day or two
- Associated fever, ↑ WCC, may be rigors and other features of sepsis
- Tenderness and guarding in the RUQ on examination
- Murphy's sign positive
Chronic Cholecystitis
- Repeated episodes of inflammation resulting in chronic fibrosis and thickening of the entire gallbladder wall
- Recurrent episodes of pain with or without fever
Diagnosis
- Inflammatory markers (WCC, CRP) usually elevated in acute cholecystitis, cholangitis, and pancreatitis
- LFTs may show an obstructed picture
- Serial measurements of LFTs should be taken if obstructive jaundice is present
- Ultrasound scan (USS) used to visualise the gallbladder and biliary tree
- Plain abdominal x-ray useful in gallstone ileus, showing evidence of small bowel obstruction, often with pneumobilia
- MRCP allows better visualisation of the biliary tree and demonstrates any gallstones within the CBD that may be causing obstruction
- ERCP is diagnostic for biliary tree dilatation and CBD stones, and is used therapeutically to remove obstructing CBD stones, insert stents, and perform sphincterotomy
Management
- Antibiotics required in patients with acute cholecystitis, cholangitis, and acute severe pancreatitis
- Vitamin K used to correct coagulopathy caused by obstructive jaundice
- ERCP may be used therapeutically in the presence of CBD obstruction
- Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) used in patients with severe biliary obstruction and sepsis who are unsuitable for ERCP or where it has been unsuccessful
- Complications of PTC include bleeding, infection (cholangitis), pancreatitis, and perforation
Cholecystectomy
- Indications: acute or chronic cholecystitis, recurrent biliary colic, gallstone-induced pancreatitis, biliary peritonitis due to perforation of the gallbladder or previous CBD obstruction
- Usually performed laparoscopically
- Conversion to open procedure is rare and should occur in exceptional circumstances
This quiz covers the differences between acute and chronic cholecystitis, including symptoms, causes and complications.
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