Complications
Occurs in 10% of cases, usually in patients unresponsive to conservative treatment or if there has been a delay in seeking medical help. After perforation patients may have transient symptom relief due to gallbladder decompression. Free perforation is associated with 30% mortality, and patients present with generalized biliary peritonitis.[7]
Thickened gallbladder wall with white cell infiltration, intra-wall abscesses, and necrosis. This may result in perforation of the gallbladder and a pericholecystic abscess formation.[2]
Occurs in 2% to 30% of cases. Most often occurs at the gallbladder fundus because of vascular compromise.[7]
A rare complication of cholecystectomy. Therapy involves endoscopic stenting, percutaneous transhepatic dilation, and surgical reconstruction. Early recognition and a prompt multidisciplinary approach involving specialists is the cornerstone for an optimal final outcome.
Caused by a gallstone passing from the biliary tract into the intestinal tract (through a fistula), leading to small intestinal obstruction.[7] The gallstone grows during its passage. Treatment is with enterotomy (proximal to the obstruction site because of the risk of closing compromised bowel) and stone extraction. This is followed by cholecystectomy in an inflammatory-free interval 4-6 weeks later.
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