Over Three Hundred Gallstones Removed Through Difficult Cholecystectomy - A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Hepatobiliary Surgery

Background:

• Cholelithiasis, or gallstones, is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder with significant global healthcare costs.
• Cholesterol hypersaturation is the primary driver of gallstone formation.
• While age and female sex are known risk factors, recent research indicates a strong link between obesity and cholesterol gallstones.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case report of acute cholecystitis in a middle-aged male patient.
• To underscore the diagnostic utility of clinical examination, laboratory analyses, and abdominal ultrasound in gallstone disease.
• To reinforce the surgical management of symptomatic and asymptomatic gallstones.

Main Methods:

• A case report detailing a 49-year-old male presenting with acute abdominal pain.
• Diagnostic procedures included physical examination, abdominal ultrasound, and laboratory analyses.
• Surgical intervention via cholecystectomy was performed.

Main Results:

• Diagnosis of acute cholecystitis was confirmed through clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings.
• The cholecystectomy revealed a thickened gallbladder wall with gangrenous mucosa.
• Over 300 gallstones, measuring 2-5 mm, were removed from the gallbladder.

Conclusions:

• Clinical examination, laboratory analyses, and abdominal ultrasound are essential diagnostic modalities for gallstone disease.
• Cholecystectomy is the definitive treatment for both symptomatic and asymptomatic gallstones.
• Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing acute cholecystitis.