What is acute calculous cholecystitis?

DEFINITION Inflammation of the gallbladder wall, usually due to obstruction of the cystic duct by gallstones. In acute cholecystitis, the pain is similar in character to cholelithiasis but typically lasts longer (> 3 hours). SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS RUQ tenderness and guarding are present, distinguishing it from uncomplicated biliary colic. Pain typically lasts > 3 hours. Fever, nausea, vomiting, and anorexia are nonspecific and variable. Murphy’s sign Sonographic Murphy’s: Pain over RUQ when palpated with ultrasound probe (87% sensitivity).