Cholecystitis

What is Cholecystitis?

Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver that stores bile produced by the liver. Infection or blockage in the gallbladder or bile ducts can cause inflammation, pain, and swelling.

If left untreated, cholecystitis can lead to serious complications, such as gallbladder rupture, which can be life-threatening. Treatment often involves surgery to remove the gallbladder.

Symptoms of Cholecystitis

Common symptoms of cholecystitis include:

• Severe pain in the upper right or middle abdomen
• Pain radiating to the right shoulder or back
• Tenderness in the abdomen when touched
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever

These symptoms often occur after eating, particularly fatty or large meals.

Causes of Cholecystitis

Several factors can cause gallbladder inflammation, including:

• Gallstones Gallstones are the most common cause of cholecystitis. These hard particles form in the gallbladder and can block the duct that carries bile out of the gallbladder, leading to bile accumulation, swelling, and irritation.
• Tumors A tumor can block the normal flow of bile from the gallbladder, leading to fluid buildup and inflammation.
• Bile Duct Blockage A blocked bile duct can cause gallbladder inflammation. Scarring or bending of the bile ducts can also contribute to obstruction.
• Infections Conditions like AIDS or other viral infections can cause gallbladder swelling and irritation.
• Severe Illness Serious illnesses can damage blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the gallbladder, leading to inflammation.

Risk Factors for Cholecystitis

Certain individuals are at a higher risk of developing cholecystitis, including those who:

• Are female
• Are pregnant
• Are obese
• Have diabetes
• Have high cholesterol levels
• Experience rapid weight loss
• Are over the age of 40

Diagnosis of Cholecystitis

To diagnose cholecystitis, doctors perform a physical examination and assess the patient’s symptoms and medical history. Diagnostic tests and procedures may include:

• Blood Tests These tests check for signs of infection or other gallbladder problems.
• Imaging Tests Imaging tests such as endoscopic ultrasound, abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) provide images of the gallbladder and bile ducts, helping doctors identify signs of cholecystitis or gallstones.
• Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid (HIDA) Scan This scan tracks the production and flow of bile from the liver to the small intestine. A radioactive dye is injected, which attaches to bile-producing cells, allowing doctors to detect any blockages.

Treatment for Cholecystitis 

Treatment options for cholecystitis include:

• Fasting Patients may need to refrain from eating or drinking initially to relieve stress on the inflamed gallbladder.
• Intravenous Fluids IV fluids help prevent dehydration.
• Antibiotics Antibiotic medications may be necessary if the gallbladder is infected.
• Pain Relievers Pain management medications help reduce discomfort and inflammation.
• Gallbladder Drainage In some cases, a gallbladder drainage procedure (cholecystostomy) may be required to remove infection, especially for patients who cannot undergo gallbladder removal surgery.