title: Empyema of the gallbladder treated by laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
abstract: METHODS
  A 52-year-old woman with an eight-year history of gallstones who had twice declined to have a cholecystectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  The patient presented as an emergency with severe abdominal pain, hectic fevers and rigors. Results of examination showed an enlarged, tender and easily palpable gallbladder. A diagnosis of empyema of the gallbladder was made.
  
  
  METHODS
  Intravenous administration of antibiotics was started immediately and a laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed 36 hours after admission.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Postoperative recovery was uncomplicated. The patient was discharged after 72 hours and returned to normal activities within one week.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic cholecystectomy seems a useful technique to treat gallbladder disease in emergency as well as elective situations.
authors.affiliation: St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW.
authors.forename: T B
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Hugh
authors.forename: F C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D002763:Cholecystectomy / Q000379:methods*; D002764:Cholecystitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008875:Middle Aged