What is the gold standard of treatment for cholecystitis?

The gold standard of treatment for cholecystitis is surgical intervention, specifically a cholecystectomy, which is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. However, if the question is interpreted to inquire about the best imaging modality for diagnosing cholecystitis, then ultrasound is indeed the preferred method.

Ultrasound is advantageous because it is non-invasive, does not expose patients to radiation, and is highly effective in visualizing gallstones and assessing gallbladder inflammation. It can promptly identify the presence of gallstones, the thickening of the gallbladder wall, and surrounding fluid, which are key indicators of acute cholecystitis.

In contrast, CT scans, while effective, are typically used as a secondary approach due to their increased radiation exposure and cost. MRI is usually reserved for cases where ultrasound and CT are inconclusive or for specific populations like pregnant women but is not commonly used for initial diagnosis of cholecystitis. Endoscopy is more relevant in the management of biliary issues, such as choledocholithiasis (common bile duct stones), rather than direct treatment of cholecystitis itself. Therefore, ultrasound emerges as the critical tool in both diagnosing and managing cholecystitis