GALLBLADDER EMPYEMA

Course overview

EMPYEMA OF THE GALLBLADDER IS THE MOST SEVERE COMPLICATION OF ACUTE CHOLECYSTITIS. IT IS USUALLY THE RESULT OF THE PROGRESSION OF ACUTE CHOLECYSTITIS IN A BACKGROUND OF BILE STASIS AND CYSTIC DUCT OBSTRUCTION. THIS IS A SURGICAL EMERGENCY THAT REQUIRES PROMPT TREATMENT WITH ANTIBIOTICS AND URGENT ASPIRATION/REMOVAL OF THE GALLBLADDER TO REDUCE THE RISK OF SEPTIC SHOCK. THIS ACTIVITY DESCRIBES THE EVALUATION, DIAGNOSIS, AND MANAGEMENT OF GALLBLADDER EMPYEMAS AND STRESSES THE ROLE OF TEAM-BASED INTERPROFESSIONAL CARE FOR AFFECTED PATIENTS.