A focus on acute cholecystitis and acute cholangitis

Biliary infections are very common intra-abdominal infections. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis and endoscopic retrograde management of acute cholangitis play important roles in the treatment of biliary infections. Also antimicrobial therapy is nevertheless important in the overall management of biliary infections. A multidisciplinary team of physicians, including surgeons trained in laparoscopic techniques, interventional gastroenterologists, and interventional radiologists may improve outcomes of patients with biliary infections. This review focuses the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and state of the art management of acute cholecystitis and acute cholangitis.