Narrative Review on Complicated Cholecystitis: An Update on Management

Complicated cholecystitis is a term used to describe the local complications that occur in acute cholecystitis. It included gangrenous, empyema and perforation of the gallbladder. The diagnosis of these conditions involves clinical, laboratory investigations and imaging modalities. The treatment of complicated cholecystitis is by performing a cholecystectomy, either by an open or laparoscopic method. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with a high conversion rate due to inflammation of the gallbladder which makes dissection difficult. Subtotal cholecystectomy is an alternative surgical procedure in patients who have adhesions at the calot’s triangle. We have conducted this review article to look at the types of complicated cholecystitis, and the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.