Is routine ultrasound examination of the gallbladder justified in ICU patients?
Author Information
Author(s): Evodia E, Vlachou I, Petrocheilou G, Gavala A, Pappa M, Livieratos L, Myrianthefs P, Gregorakos L, Baltopoulos G
Primary Institution: Agioi Anargyroi Hospital, Athens, Greece
Hypothesis
The study aims to evaluate the impact of protocolized gallbladder ultrasound examination on medical decision-making in critically ill patients.
Conclusion
Routine gallbladder ultrasound examination can effectively guide surgical and medical therapy for gallbladder abnormalities in ICU patients, even in the absence of liver dysfunction.
Supporting Evidence
- 25 out of 53 patients had at least one ultrasound finding.
- 16 patients had two or more ultrasound findings.
- Only 24% of patients with ultrasound findings had concomitant hepatic dysfunction.
- Three patients with ultrasound findings compatible with acute acalculous cholecystitis underwent open cholecystectomy.
Takeaway
Doctors used ultrasound to check the gallbladder in sick patients to help decide if they needed surgery or special care, and it worked well even if their liver was fine.
Methodology
A prospective study with twice weekly gallbladder ultrasound examinations over 8 months in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation.
Participant Demographics
53 patients, 42 males, mean age 57.6 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Statistical Significance
p=0.03
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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