Abstract

*J. M. V. Lakshmi, P. Lekhana, S. Ahammad, Dr. T. Sharath Babu

ABSTRACT

Cholecystitis, an inflammatory condition of the gallbladder, continues to represent a significant clinical burden globally due to its association with gallstone disease and potential for serious complications. Contemporary management has undergone a paradigm shift from traditional delayed surgical approaches to early, evidence-based, multidisciplinary strategies. Advances in imaging, antimicrobial stewardship, minimally invasive surgery, and interventional radiology have refined diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic outcomes. Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy is now considered the gold standard for most patients, while alternative modalities such as percutaneous cholecystostomy and endoscopic gallbladder drainage have gained prominence in high-risk or non-operative candidates. Emerging evidence emphasizes individualized care based on disease severity, patient comorbidities, and resource availability. Furthermore, updated clinical guidelines advocate for severity grading systems and targeted antimicrobial therapy to optimize outcomes and reduce complications. This review synthesizes current evidence on evolving management strategies, highlighting innovations, clinical decision-making frameworks, and future directions in cholecystitis care. The integration of surgical and non-surgical modalities underscores the transition toward precision-based management in modern hepatobiliary practice.