A patient with known sickle cell anemia presents with severe pain in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. His white blood cell count is elevated, and his ultrasound shows a dilated gallbladder with multiple gallstones. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial treatment?
1) Antibiotics
2) Hydration and analgesics
3) Surgical cholecystectomy
4) Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
📝 Explanation:
In a patient with sickle cell anemia and symptoms of biliary colic, the most likely diagnosis is cholelithiasis due to the increased incidence of gallstone formation in this population. Initial management should focus on hydration and pain relief with analgesics, as surgery is typically reserved for cases of cholecystitis or pancreatitis.
MCQ