Death Due to Gangrenous Cholecystitis and Peritonitis Following Unrelated Surgery

• Two cases of fatal peritonitis after surgery unrelated to the biliary tract were explained post mortem by the finding of acute gangrenous cholecystitis. Two similar cases, in which the diagnosis had not been made ante mortem, were found in records of previous years. In addition, the records disclosed cases of postoperative cholecystitis that were diagnosed, treated, and cured. Certain measures will facilitate diagnosis if the possibility of this dangerous complication is kept in mind. The hazard exists when surgery is performed in elderly, obese males.