Acute acalculous cholecystitis following trauma.

A consecutive series of 11 patients with post-traumatic acute acalculous cholecystitis is reviewed. Three patients had sustained multiple trauma, whereas 6 patients had recently undergone alimentary tract surgery and 2 patients orthopaedic or gynaecological surgery. All patients were treated by cholecystectomy. Four cases required reoperation because of an abdominal abscess and 2 cases because of a subcutaneous abscess. One patient was re-explored due to haemorrhage from the gallbladder bed, and another patient due to occlusion of the coeliac axis. The mortality rate was 18 per cent. The importance of early diagnosis and surgical intervention with cholecystectomy are emphasized in this rare condition with high morbidity and mortality.