Fighting Acalculous Cholecystitis: Treatment Options Explained

The First Line of Defense: Antibiotics and Supportive Care

Treatment typically begins with broad-spectrum antibiotics to fight infection. Patients also receive intravenous fluids, pain medication, and close monitoring. This supportive care is crucial, but it's usually just the first step in treatment.

Drainage: A Lifesaving Intervention

For many patients, especially those too ill for surgery, percutaneous cholecystostomy is the go-to treatment. This involves inserting a tube through the skin to drain the infected gallbladder. It's like letting the air out of a balloon, relieving pressure and allowing the inflammation to subside.

Surgery: The Definitive Solution

In some cases, particularly when complications like gangrene or perforation have occurred, surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is necessary. This can be done laparoscopically (with small incisions) or as an open surgery, depending on the patient's condition and the severity of the inflammation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

Treatment for acalculous cholecystitis must be tailored to each patient's unique situation, balancing the need for aggressive intervention with the patient's overall health status.

Related Articles

• Acalculous Cholecystitis: The Silent Gallbladder Threat You Need to Know About
• Cracking the Code: How Doctors Diagnose Acalculous Cholecystitis
• Who's at Risk? Unveiling the Factors Behind Acalculous Cholecystitis
• Stopping Acalculous Cholecystitis Before It Starts: Prevention Strategies Revealed

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