Our approach
Chronic calculous cholecystitis cannot be cured with medication, because the cause of the disease is gallstones.
At MSI, we assess the clinical picture, the results of imaging studies, and the patient's overall condition. If surgery is indicated, the method of choice is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which removes the source of chronic inflammation and prevents dangerous complications.
What is chronic calculous cholecystitis?
Chronic calculous cholecystitis is a long-term inflammation of the gallbladder wall caused by the persistent presence of stones.
Repeated episodes of irritation and inflammation lead to thickening of the gallbladder wall, impaired gallbladder function, and scarring.
Why does the disease develop?
The main cause is gallstone disease.
Contributing factors include:
- gallstones
- bile stasis
- impaired gallbladder contractility
- obesity
- diabetes
- poor diet
- hereditary predisposition
Symptoms
Patients most often experience:
- pain or discomfort in the right upper abdomen
- a feeling of heaviness after fatty food
- nausea
- a bitter taste in the mouth
- bloating
- recurrent episodes of biliary colic
When complications develop, severe pain, fever, and jaundice may occur.
When to see a doctor
A consultation is recommended if:
- an ultrasound has shown stones and signs of chronic cholecystitis
- episodes of pain keep recurring
- symptoms affect your quality of life
- you have had biliary colic
- complications of gallstone disease have developed
- the indications for surgical treatment need to be determined
How is the diagnosis made?
The following are used to establish the diagnosis:
- consultation with a surgeon
- abdominal ultrasound
- blood tests
- liver function tests
- computed tomography or MRI when indicated
- MRCP if bile duct disease is suspected
How is chronic calculous cholecystitis treated?
The only definitive treatment is surgical removal of the gallbladder.
Medication may temporarily relieve symptoms, but it does not remove the cause of the disease or prevent complications.
Surgical treatment
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard of treatment.
At MSI we perform:
- laparoscopic cholecystectomy
- complex laparoscopic cholecystectomy in severe chronic inflammation
- open surgery in cases where a laparoscopic procedure is technically impossible or unsafe
During surgery, we strictly follow the *Critical View of Safety* principle — the international standard for safe cholecystectomy, which minimizes the risk of bile duct injury.
Recovery after treatment
After laparoscopic surgery, most patients stay in hospital for only one day.
Thanks to modern ERAS protocols, early mobilization and a quick return to everyday activities are possible within the first days after surgery.
Why choose MSI
- Extensive experience in laparoscopic gallbladder surgery
- Use of international standards for safe cholecystectomy (Critical View of Safety)
- Modern anesthesia care
- An individual approach to every patient
- Enhanced recovery protocols (ERAS)
- Comprehensive support from consultation to full recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Medication can only temporarily relieve symptoms, but it does not remove the stones or the chronic inflammation. The definitive treatment is removal of the gallbladder.
Yes. Over time, the risk of acute cholecystitis, biliary colic, pancreatitis, or other complications increases. A planned operation is safer than surgery performed in an emergency.
Yes. After laparoscopic cholecystectomy, most patients return to their normal lifestyle without significant restrictions.
The outlook is very favorable. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy completely removes the source of chronic inflammation, prevents repeated attacks, and significantly reduces the risk of dangerous complications of gallstone disease.