What is the primary treatment for acute cholecystitis?

The primary treatment for acute cholecystitis involves IV fluid hydration, antibiotics, and cholecystectomy. Acute cholecystitis, which is inflammation of the gallbladder often due to obstruction of the cystic duct, requires prompt intervention to prevent complications such as perforation, abscess formation, or sepsis.

Initial management includes providing intravenous fluids to maintain hydration and providing antibiotics to address the infectious component. This is crucial as patients with acute cholecystitis typically present with systemic signs of infection or inflammation. Following medical stabilization, the definitive treatment is usually laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Early surgery within 24 to 48 hours of admission is generally recommended, as it can prevent complications and facilitate quicker recovery.

Oral hydration and observation are not appropriate for managing acute cholecystitis because they do not address the underlying condition, which requires surgical intervention. Immediate surgical intervention alone, without prior stabilization and antibiotic therapy, could increase the risk of surgery-related complications. Antibiotics alone would not resolve the issue since they do not treat the underlying obstruction or the need for gallbladder removal. Therefore, the combination of IV fluids, antibiotics, and cholecystectomy represents the most effective approach to managing acute