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Acute acalculous cholecystitis following coronary artery bypass surgery

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Abstract

Background

Significant gastrointestinal complications following cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are relatively infrequent but are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) may be a devastating complication if the diagnosis is missed or management delayed.

Aim

We present two cases of AAC that followed coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Results

In one case a cholecystectomy was performed whereas percutaneous drainage was utilised in the second case. The application of these two different individualised treatment options lead to successful outcomes in both cases.

Conclusion

Awareness with vigilance enables early diagnosis and treatment. The clinical state of the patient at the time of diagnosis ultimately determines the management strategy in the post cardiac surgery patient.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland

    D. G. Healy, D. Veerasingam & J. Hurley

  2. Departments of General Surgery, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland

    P. R. O’Connell

Authors
  1. D. G. Healy
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  2. D. Veerasingam
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  3. P. R. O’Connell
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  4. J. Hurley
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to D. G. Healy.

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Healy, D.G., Veerasingam, D., O’Connell, P.R. et al. Acute acalculous cholecystitis following coronary artery bypass surgery. Ir J Med Sci 173, 160–161 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03167932

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03167932

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