Does acute cholecystitis require surgery?

By | December 14, 2022
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In many cases, Acute cholecystitis can be treated with antibiotics and other medications. However, surgery may be a necessary remedy in situations such as the following:

Severe inflammation of the gallbladder

If the inflammation of the gallbladder is severe, it can cause the organ to become swollen and tender, which can be very painful. In some cases, the inflammation can spread to other organs or tissues, leading to more serious complications. In these situations, surgery may be necessary to remove the inflamed gallbladder and prevent further damage.

Formation of gallstones:

Gallstones are solid masses that can form in the gallbladder or the ducts that carry bile from the liver to the intestines. If a gallstone becomes stuck in the ducts, it can block the flow of bile, leading to inflammation and infection. Gallstones that are too large to be removed with medication or other non-invasive treatments may require surgical removal to prevent complications. In such cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the gallstones and unblock the ducts.

Infection:

If the gallbladder becomes infected, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and prevent the infection from spreading.

Abscesses:

In some cases, cholecystitis can lead to the formation of abscesses, which are collections of pus that can cause pain and inflammation. Surgery may be necessary to drain the abscess and remove any infected tissue.

Complications of acute cholecystitis:

Acute Cholecystitis can lead to complications, such as sepsis (a potentially life-threatening infection that spreads throughout the body), pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), or perforation of the gallbladder. In these cases, surgery may be necessary to prevent further complications.

Chronic cholecystitis:

Some people with acute cholecystitis may develop chronic cholecystitis, which is a long-term inflammation of the gallbladder. This condition can cause ongoing pain and discomfort, and can also increase the risk of complications. In these cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the damaged gallbladder and improve the person’s symptoms.

Other medical conditions:

 In some cases, cholecystitis may be caused by underlying medical conditions, such as liver disease or pancreatitis. In these situations, surgery may be necessary to treat the underlying condition and prevent further complications.

Gallbladder cancer:

In rare cases, cholecystitis can lead to the development of gallbladder cancer. In these cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the cancerous tissue and prevent the cancer from spreading.

The decision to undergo surgery will be made by your doctor based on a number of factors, including the severity of your symptoms and your overall health. It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and to seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of acute cholecystitis.

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

If you need a printable checklist or PDF version of this guide, let me know and I’ll create one for you.