Acute cholecystitis after cardiovascular surgery (CABG)

Abstract

Acute calculous cholecystitis following Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery is a rare but potentially serious complication. While uncommon, it can occur due to factors like prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, perioperative inotropic support, low cardiac output, or underlying cholelithiasis.

This condition typically presents with right upper quadrant pain and fever, and is often managed with antibiotics and surgical intervention like cholecystectomy.

Acute cholecystitis following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), although rare, is a potentially life-threatening consequence of prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) procedures. Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB), performed without sternotomy and without CPB, is perhaps the least traumatic type of CABG procedure. Nevertheless, we present 2 cases of acute cholecystitis following MIDCAB, demonstrating that a MIDCAB does not eliminate the risk of gastrointestinal complications. Our experience with these cases points to the benefits of early and aggressive management in the treatment of acute cholecystitis after MIDCAB