Guidelines
Treatment of Community Acquired Cholecystitis

Treatment of Community Acquired Cholecystitis

Is there a role for antibiotics in patients with uncomplicated cholecystitis?

Antibiotics are not generally indicated for cholecystitis unless evidence of complications such as emphysematous or gangrenous cholecystitis or perforation.

In the presence of suspected gangrene or perforation, immediate surgery is indicated and initiate empiric antimicrobial therapy.

If cholecystectomy is performed, antimicrobials can be safely discontinued 24 hours following surgery, if no intra-operative complications.

Empiric Antimicrobial Therapy for Complicated Cholecystitis