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Reports on a study by W. Wallace and colleagues that assesses the morbidity associated with prolonged waiting times for elective cholecystectomy. Identification of predictors of gallstone-related complications requiring emergency interval admission; Highlights the suboptimal management of gallstones in a DGH that lacks resources to perform urgent cholecystectomy in patients; Suggestion on the possible occurrence of a significant number emergency admissions.

This article focuses on a study related to recurrent gallstone complications whilst awaiting cholecystectomy. Cholecystectomy is recommended either urgently or 6-8 weeks following conservative management of cholecystitis. However, in many units, timing of surgery is often determined by waiting list length. This study highlights the suboptimal management of gallbladder disease in a surgical unit which lacks the capacity to ensure early cholecystectomy in all patients. predictors for readmission. Patients with an inpatient diagnosis of gallstones and with evidence of thickened gallbladder wall on ultrasound were more at risk of readmission.