ULTRASONIC STUDIES IN 55 PATIENTS OPERATED ON FOR ACUTE CHOLECYSTITIS

Fifty-five patients operated on for acute cholecystitis over the past 5 years and 4 months were reviewed.Comparative studies were made between ultrasonographic and pathological findings in these patients.Ultrasonographic findings of acute cholecystitis revealed gallbladder distension, gallstone, intraluminal echo within the gallbladder, a thickened gallbladder wall, intramural and extramural anechoic areas and intraperitoneal fluid accumulation.Ultrasonographic findings of gangrenous cholecystitis showed gallbladder distension, an intraluminal membrane and coarse spotty echo within the gallbladder, an irregular thickened gallbladder wall and intraperitoneal fluid accumulation.Patients suspected to have gangrenous cholecystitis ultrasonically should undergo emergency or early operation.Only in serious cases of gangrenous cholecystitis for which surgery cannot be performed should ultrasonically guided puncture and drainage of the gallbladder be performed.