PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a complication associated with cholecystitis?

1. Cholecystectasis

2. Cholecystenteric fistula formation

3. Achalasia

4. Pneumothorax

The correct answer is: Cholecystenteric fistula formation

Cholecystenteric fistula formation is a recognized complication of cholecystitis, particularly in cases of chronic or severe inflammation of the gallbladder. In cholecystitis, the inflamed gallbladder can erode into adjacent structures, leading to the formation of a fistula between the gallbladder and the intestine, most commonly the duodenum. This can allow for the abnormal passage of bile into the intestinal tract, potentially leading to further complications such as biliary obstruction, bowel obstruction, or secondary infections. In contrast, the other conditions listed are not directly related to cholecystitis. Cholecystectasis refers to the abnormal dilatation of the gallbladder, which can occur for various reasons but is not a typical complication associated with acute or chronic cholecystitis. Achalasia is a disorder affecting the esophagus and has no connection to gallbladder pathology, while pneumothorax is the accumulation of air in the pleural space and is unrelated to gallbladder inflammation or complications. Thus, cholecystenteric fistula formation is the most relevant complication mentioned here.