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Warning-sign checks

Acute cholecystitis: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for severe pain, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening illness.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the surgical or medical team promptly for increasing abdominal pain, redness or drainage from an incision, fever, persistent vomiting, worsening diarrhea, jaundice, or difficulty eating and drinking.

    A tube that stops draining, falls out, leaks, or causes increasing pain requires prompt contact with the treating team.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    After hospital treatment, follow-up depends on whether the gallbladder was removed, drained, or treated without a procedure.

    If the gallbladder was not removed, follow-up is important because symptoms or inflammation can return.

    The clinician may discuss later surgery once acute illness and other medical concerns have improved.

    Routine follow-up should also review any bile duct stones, abnormal liver tests, pathology results, or medicines started during the hospital stay.

The article also says

After surgery, follow the care team’s instructions about wound care, bathing, lifting, driving, and returning to work.

Mild incision pain and fatigue can be expected early in recovery.

Some people notice loose stools or discomfort after fatty foods for a short time.

A gradual return to usual foods may be more comfortable, but a permanent low-fat diet is not required for everyone.

People who have a gallbladder drain need specific instructions for emptying the collection bag, keeping the tube secure, and recognizing blockage or infection.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Acute cholecystitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.