What is indicated if gallstones obstruct the cystic duct?

• A. Liver transplant
• B. Cholecystectomy
• C. Percutaneous drainage
• D. Endoscopic removal

Answer: (B)

When gallstones obstruct the cystic duct, the most appropriate treatment is cholecystectomy, which involves the surgical removal of the gallbladder. This condition can result in acute cholecystitis, where the gallbladder becomes inflamed due to the accumulation of bile, leading to severe pain and potential complications.

Performing a cholecystectomy addresses the root cause by removing the gallbladder, thus preventing future episodes of obstruction and related complications. It also alleviates the symptoms caused by the obstruction. In cases where there is acute cholecystitis caused by the obstruction, the timing and urgency of the surgery can vary, but cholecystectomy is typically the definitive treatment.

Other options, such as liver transplant, are not relevant in the case of gallstone obstruction specifically affecting the cystic duct, as this does not address the underlying issue. Percutaneous drainage may be used as a palliative measure for abscesses or severe cases where surgery is not an option but does not treat the underlying gallstone problem. Endoscopic removal can be effective for stones in the common bile duct but does not resolve the obstruction at the cystic duct level directly or prevent recurrence. Thus, cholec