Abstract
Objective : The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of acute cholangitis/cholecystitis during standby for cholecystectomy for gallstones. Method : Participants were 202 patients who underwent elective cholecystectomy for gallstones in our hospital between April 2011 and October 2013. We compared 14 patients who developed acute cholangitis/cholecystitis during standby for cholecystectomy (Group A) with 188 patients who did not (Group B). Results : Cases of acute grade 2 or 3 cholangitis/cholecystitis before standby for operation comprised 42.9% of Group A and 18.1% of Group B (p<0.05), cases of frequent biliary colic in 1 month comprised 42.9% and 17.6% (p<0.05), and cases of PTGBD were 21.4% and 4.8% (p<0.05). In imaging studies, gallbladder wall thickening (>=5 mm) was seen in 35.7% of Group A and 12.8% of Group B (p<0.05), and incarcerated gallbladder neck stones were seen in 50.0% and 12.2% (p<0.05). Conclusion : Frequent biliary colic, past cholecystitis with severe inflammation and incarcerated gallbladder neck stones on imaging studies were risk factors of acute cholangitis/cholecystitis during standby for cholecystectomy. Cholecystectomy for these cases should be performed promptly.
