Postoperative acalculous cholecystitis.

Two cases of acute acalculous cholecystitis occurring after major surgical procedures unrelated to the biliary tract are described. Symptoms are usually masked by postsurgical pain. Gangrene and perforation usually occur; this explains why the mortality rate is high. Awareness of this complication is essential; it leads to the early performance of cholecystostomy or cholecystostomy, lifesaving procedures.