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Empyema of the gallbladder treated by laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Author(s) -
Hugh Thomas B,
Chen Frank C,
Li Bei
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1991.tb121137.x
Subject(s) - medicine , empyema , cholecystectomy , gallbladder , gallstones , laparoscopic cholecystectomy , general surgery , surgery , gallbladder disease , abdominal pain
Patient A 52‐year‐old woman with an eightyear history of gallstones who had twice declined to have a cholecystectomy. Clinical features The patient presented as an emergency with severe abdominal pain, hectic fevers and rigors. Results of examination showed an enlarged, tender and easily palpable gallbladder. A diagnosis of empyema of the gallbladder was made. Interventions Intravenous administration of antibiotics was started immediately and a taparoscoptc cholecystectomy was performed 36 hours after admission. Outcome Postoperative recovery was uncomplicated. The patient was discharged after 72 hours and returned to normal activities within one week. Conclusion Laparoscopic cholecystectomy seems a useful technique to treat gallbladder disease in emergency as well as elective situations.