Cholecystitis, Acute and Cholangitis, Acute

K81.0/K83.0


GENERAL MEASURES

Surgical drainage / cholecystectomy according to indication and/or patient's condition.

MEDICINE TREATMENT

Acute cholecystitis

Mild and asymptomatic cases without risk factors may not require antibiotic treatment. If signs of infection present and/or risk factors for severe disease present:

  • Elderly patients (older than 60 years of age)
  • Co-morbidity
  • Immune compromise

Acute cholecystitis and acute cholangitis

  • Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, oral, 875/125 mg 12 hourly.

If unable to tolerate oral therapy:

  • Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, IV, 1.2 g 8 hourly.

REFERRAL

  • Clinical deterioration or failure to improve.
  • Fistulae or perforation.
  • Need for complicated surgery.