Early Cholecystectomy in SCD with Cholelithiasis Reduces Complications

Cholecystectomy for uncomplicated cholelithiasis in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients leads to lower postoperative vaso-occlusive crises compared to those with acute cholecystitis, chronic cholecystitis, or gallstone pancreatitis. Advanced clinical presentations are strong predictors of complications, with 73% of SCD patients showing advanced clinical presentation at the time of cholecystectomy. These findings suggest that early cholecystectomy after screening with abdominal ultrasounds can improve outcomes in SCD patients with cholelithiasis.