Acute calculous cholecystitis

Acute calculous cholecystitis is usually caused by Enterobacterales (eg Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species) and, less commonly, Enterococcus faecalis. Infrequently, infection is caused by anaerobic bacteria.

Ideal treatment for acute calculous cholecystitis is urgent cholecystectomy, with adjunctive antibiotic therapy. Randomised controlled trials have demonstrated superior outcomes with early cholecystectomy compared to delayed cholecystectomyGallaher, 2022. In patients who are not able to undergo cholecystectomy, percutaneous cholecystostomy may be required.

See also Assessment of intra-abdominal infections.