Chronic Cholecystitis: When Surgery Becomes Necessary

Chronic cholecystitis often develops from repeated episodes of acute cholecystitis and is characterized by recurring pain and discomfort in the upper right abdomen, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. When symptoms persist or reoccur frequently, especially if imaging tests like ultrasound reveal significant thickening of the gallbladder wall or loss of gallbladder function, surgery may be strongly recommended.

One of the most common complications of chronic cholecystitis is the presence of gallstones, particularly multiple stones or stones larger than 2 cm. In such cases, gallbladder removal surgery—known as cholecystectomy—is often the best course of action to prevent further complications, including the risk of gallbladder cancer. Long-term inflammation not only increases the chances of malignancy but also makes future surgery more complex due to altered anatomy and increased scarring.

Moreover, delaying surgery can lead to more severe health issues, especially in older patients. Many elderly individuals also suffer from other chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease, which can increase surgical risks if the procedure is postponed. Therefore, if chronic cholecystitis is causing repeated flare-ups and conservative treatments are ineffective, early surgical intervention should be considered.

In summary, while not all cases of chronic cholecystitis require immediate surgery, those involving persistent symptoms, gallstones, or structural damage to the gallbladder should be carefully evaluated for surgical removal to avoid life-threatening complications.