How many days are needed for intravenous infusion to treat cholecystitis?

In general, the duration of intravenous (IV) therapy for cholecystitis depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases usually require 3–5 days of treatment, while severe cases may need 7–10 days or even longer in some instances. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If cholecystitis is in the acute but mild stage, symptoms may include only slight abdominal pain and nausea, without fever or with only low-grade fever. IV therapy at this stage primarily focuses on anti-infective treatment and fluid replacement. Once inflammation is controlled and symptoms subside, treatment can be discontinued—typically after 3–5 days, which is sufficient to achieve therapeutic effect. During treatment, patients should follow a light diet to reduce the burden on the gallbladder and promote recovery.

When cholecystitis progresses to a severe acute form, characterized by intense abdominal pain, persistent high fever, or complications such as gallbladder perforation or bile duct infection, the duration of IV therapy must be extended. In these cases, stronger anti-infective medications are required, and close monitoring of the patient's condition is essential. Treatment continues until the infection is fully controlled and all clinical indicators return to normal, generally requiring 7–10 days. More complex cases may require an even longer course of therapy.

Throughout treatment, patients must strictly follow medical instructions, complete the full course of IV therapy on schedule, and avoid stopping treatment prematurely to prevent relapse. Adequate rest should be taken to avoid fatigue, and patients should refrain from consuming greasy or spicy foods to support resolution of gallbladder inflammation.