@article{article_1806093, title={Evaluation of Acute Cholecystitis Outcomes: A Single Center View of Refugee Health in Türkiye}, journal={Ege Tıp Bilimleri Dergisi}, volume={8}, pages={116–121}, year={2025}, DOI={10.33713/egetbd.1806093}, author={Akpınar, Göksever and Dursun, Ayberk}, keywords={Mülteci, akut kolesistit, kolesistit, mülteci sağlığı}, abstract={OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare key clinical parameters between refugees and local Turkish citizens presenting to the emergency department with acute cholecystitis, with the goal of improving healthcare services for refugee populations.
MATERIALS and METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with acute calculous cholecystitis and treated between January 1, 2020, and January 1, 2022. Patients were categorized into two groups: Turkish citizens and non-citizen refugees. Data on demographics, clinical findings, laboratory results, imaging utilization, disease severity (based on the 2018 Tokyo Guidelines), and symptom duration were collected.
RESULTS: A total of 135 patients were included, comprising 31 refugees and 104 Turkish citizens. The median age of refugees (38 years) was significantly lower than that of Turkish citizens (57 years). The proportion of female patients was higher among refugees (67.7%) compared to Turkish citizens (51%). Clinical findings, including Murphy’s sign, right upper quadrant pain, fever, and leukocytosis, were similar between groups. Disease severity classification according to the 2018 Tokyo Guidelines showed no significant differences. Ultrasonography was more
frequently utilized for diagnosis among Turkish citizens (98.1%) compared to refugees (71%).
CONCLUSION: Although refugees presented with acute cholecystitis at a younger age, their clinical outcomes were not significantly different from those of Turkish citizens. The equitable healthcare system in Türkiye may have mitigated potential disparities in access to emergency care. Future studies with larger sample sizes should explore surgical outcomes and postoperative follow-up to further assess healthcare disparities among refugee populations.}, number={3}, publisher={Uşak Cerrahi Derneği}