PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Biliary colic that lasts longer than 6 hours is often indicative of what condition?

1. Cholecystic pain

2. Cholelithiasis

3. Cholecystitis

4. Cholangitis

The correct answer is: Cholelithiasis

Biliary colic lasting longer than 6 hours is typically indicative of cholecystitis. In the context of gallbladder-related issues, cholecystitis is characterized by inflammation of the gallbladder, often due to obstruction from gallstones. The prolonged pain suggests that the gallbladder is not merely experiencing transient spasms or obstruction (as would occur in cholelithiasis) but has likely developed inflammation that persists due to sustained blockage or irritation. Cholelithiasis refers to the presence of gallstones without inflammation or infection; thus, the pain associated with it may not last as long. Biliary colic from cholelithiasis generally resolves once the stone moves or passes. Cholangitis, which involves infection of the bile duct due to obstruction, can also cause severe pain, but the hallmark of biliary colic pointing toward cholecystitis is the duration of pain, along with associated symptoms such as fever, nausea, and possible jaundice. Therefore, the indication of pain lasting longer than 6 hours aligns more closely with cholecystitis, pointing to a more complex situation requiring medical intervention.