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Simpson et al: Cholecystectomy in 23 cats (2005‐2021)
Veterinary Surgery 1, 2022

🔍 Key Findings

  • Cholelithiasis was the most common indication for cholecystectomy in cats.
  • Perioperative complications were frequent, with intraoperative hypotension in all recorded cases and postoperative anemia in 14 cats.
  • Perioperative mortality was 21.7%, lower than historical rates for feline biliary surgery.
  • 78.3% of cats survived to discharge, and 83.3% of those lived >6 months; 44.4% survived >3 years.
  • Vomiting was the most common short- and long-term complication, though most cats were medically managed.
  • Concurrent EHBDO was not a contraindication provided CBD patency was restored.
  • Positive bacterial cultures were found in 15 cats, with E. coli and Enterococcus faecalis most common.
  • Owner-reported outcomes were excellent in all cats that survived long-term.

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← Articles

Simpson et al: Cholecystectomy in 23 cats (2005‐2021)
Veterinary Surgery 1, 2022

🔍 Key Findings

  • Cholelithiasis was the most common indication for cholecystectomy in cats.
  • Perioperative complications were frequent, with intraoperative hypotension in all recorded cases and postoperative anemia in 14 cats.
  • Perioperative mortality was 21.7%, lower than historical rates for feline biliary surgery.
  • 78.3% of cats survived to discharge, and 83.3% of those lived >6 months; 44.4% survived >3 years.
  • Vomiting was the most common short- and long-term complication, though most cats were medically managed.
  • Concurrent EHBDO was not a contraindication provided CBD patency was restored.
  • Positive bacterial cultures were found in 15 cats, with E. coli and Enterococcus faecalis most common.
  • Owner-reported outcomes were excellent in all cats that survived long-term.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Simpson 2022 et al., on feline cholecystectomy outcomes, which statement best reflects long-term prognosis?

A. Cats rarely survive >6 months post-op
B. Most cats have poor quality of life post-op
C. Outcomes are highly variable depending on neoplasia
D. Long-term survival is common with good quality of life
E. Biliary obstruction always recurs post-op

Answer: Long-term survival is common with good quality of life

Explanation: Over 44% survived >3 years, and owner-reported outcomes were excellent in most cases.
In Simpson 2022 et al., on feline cholecystectomy outcomes, what was the reported perioperative mortality rate?

A. 10%
B. 21.7%
C. 35%
D. 40%
E. 50%

Answer: 21.7%

Explanation: The mortality rate was lower than historical reports but still significant at 21.7%.
In Simpson 2022 et al., on feline cholecystectomy outcomes, what was the survival rate to hospital discharge?

A. 50%
B. 60.9%
C. 78.3%
D. 83.3%
E. 91.3%

Answer: 78.3%

Explanation: 18 of 23 cats survived to discharge, equating to a 78.3% survival rate.
In Simpson 2022 et al., on feline cholecystectomy outcomes, what was the most common surgical indication?

A. Cholangiohepatitis
B. Gallbladder neoplasia
C. Biliary trauma
D. Cholelithiasis
E. Biliary mucocele

Answer: Cholelithiasis

Explanation: Cholelithiasis was identified in 17 of 23 cats and was the leading reason for surgery.
In Simpson 2022 et al., on feline cholecystectomy outcomes, which postoperative complication was most common?

A. Diarrhea
B. Vomiting
C. Constipation
D. Incisional hernia
E. Hemorrhage

Answer: Vomiting

Explanation: Vomiting was the most common short- and long-term complication observed.

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