Acute cholecystitis

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Acute cholecystitis is a common surgical condition characterized by inflammation of the gallbladder, primarily due to obstruction of the cystic duct, often caused by gallstones. It represents one of the most frequent causes of acute abdominal pain requiring medical intervention, and, if left untreated, it can lead to severe complications, including perforation, peritonitis, and sepsis. The pathophysiology of acute cholecystitis begins with the formation of gallstones, which can originate from cholesterol or bilirubin. When these stones occlude the cystic duct, it leads to the accumulation of bile within the gallbladder, increasing intravesicular pressure and causing ischemia. This ischemic event promotes inflammation and can lead to infection by bacteria normally found in the gastrointestinal tract, such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Patients typically present with sudden onset of right upper quadrant pain that may radiate to the shoulder or back, accompani…