Description

A cholecystectomy is usually performed for active cholecystitis or for a suspicious lesion. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a stable patient is a low risk procedure which may be considered for patients either who have stones and are at high risk of complications or who are symptomatic despite alternative strategies.


In general, a silent gallstone is not an indication for cholecystectomy.

 

Situations where a gallbladder with silent stones may be removed preemptively:

(1) transplant candidate (prior to transplant)

(2) high risk patients with diabetes

(3) very large gallstone

(4) selected young children

(5) selected women of childbearing age (with risk of complications if pregnant)

 

In acalculous cholecystitis some patients may undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy if the patient is symptomatic, the condition is likely to persist, and the patient has failed alternative treatments.


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