Acute Cholecystitis: Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Approaches to Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment.

Acute cholecystitis is a common clinical condition with complex pathological mechanisms and significant clinical impact. This review focuses on integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine approaches to its management. We first summarize theoretical foundations and recent findings in epidemiology and pathophysiology. Diagnostic strategies are then discussed, with emphasis on how modern imaging methods and traditional Chinese medicine diagnostic approaches complement each other to improve accuracy. Clinical practice is reviewed in terms of therapeutic efficacy, combined medication, and surgical options, underscoring the benefits of integrative treatment. Advances such as the development of new traditional Chinese medicine preparations and the adoption of minimally invasive techniques have introduced promising directions, although controversies and challenges remain. Finally, we highlight the need for further research to optimize integrative strategies, establish standardized treatment protocols, and improve patient outcomes. By synthesizing current evidence, this review aims to inform clinical decision-making and guide future research on integrative approaches to acute cholecystitis.