Treatment of cholelithiasis in children with sickle cell disease

AORN J. 2003 Jun;77(6):1170-8, 1181-2; quiz 1185-8.

Abstract

Medical and surgical advances have improved the treatment of cholelithiasis (ie, gallstones) in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Children with SCD have an increased risk of developing pigment gallstones that initially may be asymptomatic but that can lead to acute symptoms of cholelithiasis. An elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure is recommended for pediatric patients with SCD to prevent the risk of requiring an emergency cholecystectomy procedure. The primary benefits of this approach include a shorter hospital stay after surgery, decreased postoperative discomfort, decreased risk of complications, and a quicker return to normal activities.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / complications
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / nursing*
  • Child
  • Child Development
  • Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / adverse effects
  • Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / nursing*
  • Cholelithiasis / chemistry
  • Cholelithiasis / etiology
  • Cholelithiasis / nursing*
  • Cholelithiasis / surgery*
  • Elective Surgical Procedures
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Perioperative Nursing*
  • United States