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Symptomatic cholelithiasis — ABFM Board MCQ

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ModerateGI/HepatologySymptomatic cholelithiasisABFM Board

A 59-year-old man has right upper quadrant pain after fatty meals. Ultrasound shows gallstones without gallbladder wall thickening, pericholecystic fluid, or common bile duct dilation. Liver enzymes and lipase are normal. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?

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Correct answer: E — Elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy referral

Symptomatic cholelithiasis with biliary colic is treated with elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. ERCP is reserved when choledocholithiasis is suspected.

Reference: Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons Gallstone Guideline