Chole
Formal Definition
Cholecystectomy: surgical removal of the gallbladder, most commonly performed laparoscopically for symptomatic gallstones (cholelithiasis), acute cholecystitis, or biliary colic — one of the most frequently performed elective and urgent abdominal operations.
How It's Used on the Ward
"She needs a chole" or "lapchole" — the routine gallbladder removal, typically same-day surgery.
Example
""Admitted with acute cholecystitis: RUQ pain, Murphy's sign positive, WBC 14, ultrasound showing 8mm gallstone with pericholecystic fluid. IV antibiotics started, surgery consulted. Plan: laparoscopic chole today vs. interval in 6 weeks — attending prefers early surgery to avoid recurrence.""
Clinical Context
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (lapchole) is one of the most common surgical procedures. Key anatomy: the cystic duct and cystic artery must be identified in the critical view of safety before division — bile duct injury is the feared complication. Acute cholecystitis: early (within 72h) lapchole preferred over interval chole (lower complication rate). Choledocholithiasis (stone in the common bile duct) requires ERCP before or during surgery. Cholangitis (Charcot's triad: fever, RUQ pain, jaundice) is a medical emergency — emergent biliary decompression, not just elective chole.