Cholelithiasis management during hepatitis C treatment: a case report including pathophysiology and literature review

Abstract

This case reports a 56-year-old male attending a nurse-led hepatitis C (HCV) clinic complaining of abdominal pain. Right upper quadrant abdominal tenderness on palpation with a positive Murphy's sign (pain on inspiration during palpation to the right subcostal area) encouraged timely investigation and diagnosis of non-obstructive cholelithiasis (gallstones). This was managed with interval review and regular clinical assessment pending successful HCV treatment and surgical referral. The main lessons from this case study emphasise the importance of considering concurrent diagnoses for patients complaining of abdominal pain when presenting with a primary diagnosis of HCV. This case also supports a pragmatic approach in considering the treatment of HCV before the surgical intervention of uncomplicated gallstones. Furthermore, it also highlights the value of advanced nurse practice within the multi-disciplinary team.