Gallstone Diseases

Location

• Gallbladder (Hartmann’s Pouch)

Presentation

• RUQ pain or Epigastric pain → Abdominal Pain
  • Episodic (e.g. once per week)
    • Pt completely well between attacks
  • Acute onset, often triggered by fatty meal
  • Consistent within each episode (not really colic)
    • Up to 12h
    • If pain > 12h → !Acute Cholecystitis
• +/- N/V - Nausea/vomitting

Investigation

• Liver US
• DDx:
  • PUD - Peptic Ulcer Disease, Hepatitis, !Acute Pancreatitis, !Appendicitis
  • !MI

Treatment

• Elective Cholecystectomy