What are the complication of acute cholecystitis?
John Kim
Updated on May 07, 2026
Complications of acute cholecystitis include perforation of the gallbladder, pericholecystic abscess, and fistula caused by gallbladder wall ischaemia and infection. In the USA, the overall mortality from untreated complications is about 20%.
What is the most common complication of acute cholecystitis?
Untreated cholecystitis can cause tissue in the gallbladder to die (gangrene). It's the most common complication, especially among older people, those who wait to get treatment, and those with diabetes. This can lead to a tear in the gallbladder, or it may cause your gallbladder to burst.What are the complications of gallbladder?
Complications of gallstones may include:
- Inflammation of the gallbladder. A gallstone that becomes lodged in the neck of the gallbladder can cause inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis). ...
- Blockage of the common bile duct. ...
- Blockage of the pancreatic duct. ...
- Gallbladder cancer.
What are the complications of chronic cholecystitis?
The complications of chronic cholecystitis include gangrenous cholecystitis, perforation of the gallbladder, Mirizzi syndrome, gallstone ileus, and gallbladder malignancies.What are 3 risk factors for cholecystitis?
Risk factors for cholecystitis mirror those for cholelithiasis and include increasing age, female sex, certain ethnic groups, obesity or rapid weight loss, drugs, and pregnancy.CHOLECYSTITIS: Acute and Chronic. Pathology and Complications
Which symptom is characteristic of acute cholecystitis?
Symptoms of cholecystitisThe main symptom of acute cholecystitis is a sudden, sharp pain in the upper right-hand side of your tummy (abdomen). This pain spreads towards your right shoulder. The affected part of the tummy is usually very tender, and breathing deeply can make the pain worse.