Observation on Acute Acalculous Cholecystitis.

Abstract

Seventeen cases of acute acalculous cholecystitis admitted during the period of  thirty-three months are reviewed.  The clinical features and pathological findings are studied.  In the North-eastern region it is an important acute abdominal condition found in the middle aged and more common in male.  In view of its pathological progress, doom prognosis must be predicted if there is a delay in surgical management.  In our experience the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis is not a problem but the dilemma of acalculous or calculous still remains if without the help of ultrasonography.  There is no death in this series.  We believe this is because of the policy adopted in the management of acute cholecystitis is the same as Acute appendicitis: that is urgent operative treatment.  There were no serious operative difficulties nor complications post-operatively.  Most of the patients were discharged home within a week after the operation.