[Cholestasis syndrome in acute cholecystitis].

A slight rise in bilirubin values and rises of the serum transaminases belong to the symptoms of acute cholecystitis and do not necessarily stand for an occlusion of the bile duct, i.e. for a cholestase. They admit conclusions as to the seriousness of the inflammation and especially the alkaline phosphatase gives clear indication of additional choledocholithiasis. Even with a general attitude in favour of early surgery, there should be undertaken a comprehensive laboratory diagnostic prior to surgery.