Emedinews: Makesure: : An asymptomatic sickle cell-positive patient with gallstones developed complications after gallbladder surgery.

Situation: An asymptomatic sickle cell-positive patient with gallstones developed complications after gallbladder surgery.

Reaction: Oh my God!! Why was the gallbladder removed?

Lesson: Make sure that prophylactic gallbladder removal is not done in asymptomatic patients with sickle cell disease.

Emedinews: Makesure:A patient with gallbladder colic pain of more than 5 hours duration developed complications.

Situation: A patient with gallbladder colic pain  of more than 5 hours duration developed complications.

Reaction: Oh my God!!  Why was a diagnosis of acute cholecystitis not considered?

Lesson: Make sure that in all patients with gallbladder pain of more than five hours duration, a diagnosis of acute cholecystitis is made unless proved otherwise. 

Dr KK Answers: Should an asymptomatic gallbladder be removed?

Prophylactic removal of gallbladder in asymptomatic gallstones is not recommended.  Even though patients with diabetes may have increased risk of complications, the magnitude of risk does not warrant prophylactic removal. Only those who are at risk of cancer of gallbladder or at risk of gallbladder complications need gallbladder removal. Patients at risk of gallbladder cancer are those with gallbladder polyps, cyst and calcification in the gallbladder wall.