Sepsis of biliary origin is increasing worldwide and has become one of the leading causes of emergency department admissions. The presence of multi-resistant bacteria (MRB) is increasing, and mortality rates may reach 20%. This review focuses on the changes induced by the Tokyo guidelines and new concepts related to the early treatment of severe biliary disease. If cholecystitis or cholangitis is suspected, ultrasound is the imaging test of choice. Appropriate empirical antibiotic treatment should be initiated promptly, and selection should be performed while bearing in mind the severity and risk factors for MRB. In acute cholecystitis, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the main therapeutic intervention. In patients not suitable for surgery, percutaneous cholecystostomy is a valid alternative for controlling the infection. Treatment of severe acute cholangitis is based on endoscopic or transhepatic bile duct drainage and antibiotic therapy. Endoscopic ultrasound and other new endoscopic techniques have been added to the arsenal as novel alternatives in high-risk patients. However, biliary infections remain serious conditions that can lead to sepsis and death. The introduction of internationally accepted guidelines, based on clinical presentation, laboratory tests, and imaging, provides a framework for their rapid diagnosis and treatment. Prompt assessment of patient severity, timely initiation of antimicrobials, and early control of the source of infection are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality rates.
Background. The incidence of biliary infections is rising worldwide and has become one of the main reasons for emergency admissions. Methods. Narrative review of the literature emphasizing news concepts related to the early management of biliary diseases. Results. The bacteriology is frequently polymicrobial, with a progressive increase of multidrug resistant bacteria. The form of presentation is variable, and the mortality rate may reach 20%. When cholecystitis or cholangitis is suspected, ultrasound is the gold standard imaging test. Depending on the severity of presentation, local resistances and risk factors for multi-resistant organisms, the most appropriate empirical antibiotic treatment must be initiated. In acute cholecystitis, cholecystectomy plays the main therapeutic role. In patients not suitable for surgery, percutaneous cholecystostomy is a valid alternative for source control. Treatment of severe cholangitis is based on the drainage of the bile duct and antibiotic therapy. Conclusions. Biliary infections are serious conditions which can lead to sepsis and death. The introduction of new internationally accepted guidelines, based on clinical presentation, laboratory tests and imaging, provides a platform for their timely diagnosis and management. Early severity assessment, initiation of intravenous antibiotics and source control are fundamental to improving morbidity and mortality.
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