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Cholelithiasis in sickle cell anemia: a case for elective cholecystectomy
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|May 1, 1979
Summary
Sickle cell anemia patients over 10 undergoing gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) experienced few complications. Routine screening for gallstones is recommended for these patients.
Area of Science:
- Hepatobiliary surgery
- Hematology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients often develop gallstones.
- Cholecystitis is a common complication in SCA patients over age 10.
Observation:
- Ten SCA patients over 10 years old underwent cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholecystitis.
- Three patients experienced biliary tract obstruction.
- Preoperative transfusions and careful management of oxygenation, fluids, and electrolytes were employed.
Findings:
- The surgical procedures resulted in few, non-serious complications.
- Properly prepared SCA patients tolerate cholecystectomy well.
Implications:
- Routine cholecystograms are recommended for adolescent and adult SCA patients.
- Elective cholecystectomy is advised for SCA patients with gallstones to prevent complications.