Emphysematous cholecystitis successfully treated by laparoscopic surgery

Abstract

Emphysematous cholecystitis (EC) is an uncommon variant of acute cholecystitis, which is caused by secondary infection of the gallbladder wall with gas-forming organisms. The mortality rate of EC is still as high as 25%. Emergency surgical intervention is indicated. Open cholecystectomy has been traditionally accepted as a standard treatment for EC. We present a case of EC successfully treated by laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for EC is considered to be safe and effective when indicated.