[Post-traumatic cholecystitis].

Post-traumatic cholecystitis occurs mostly in young males 8-16 days after severe injury. Gallstones are of no importance in its pathogenesis. Circulatory shock causes severe damage to the small bowel and the liver, particles of the destroyed cells becoming endogenous toxins. Presumably an increased excretion of lysosomal proteases in the biliary duct takes place. This excretion reaches the gallbladder via the accessory ducts and may cause necrosis. Pain in the right upper quadrant, septic temperature and an increase of leucocytes, bilirubin and gamma-GT in the serum suggest this complication.