Gallbladder inflammation or cholecystitis is a condition where the gallbladder becomes red and swollen (inflamed). This occurs when bile fluid gets trapped inside the gallbladder.
Ideally, bile flows out of the gallbladder and into the small intestine. However, if bile is blocked, it accumulates in the gallbladder, leading to inflammation and infection. How is this condition treated?
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Treatment for Gallbladder Inflammation (Cholecystitis)
Treatment and management of gallbladder inflammation typically involve hospitalization to control swelling and irritation (inflammation) of the gallbladder. In some cases, surgery may be required.
At the hospital, the following treatments and procedures may be administered to manage the symptoms:
1. Fasting
Patients may not be allowed to eat or drink initially to relieve stress/pressure on the inflamed gallbladder.
2. Intravenous Fluids (IV Therapy)
This treatment helps prevent fluid loss or dehydration.
3. Antibiotic Medications
Patients may require antibiotic medications if the gallbladder is infected. Intravenous (IV) antibiotics are usually the first treatment for acute gallbladder inflammation. These antibiotics work by killing bacterial cells or preventing their reproduction, helping to fight the infection.
4. Pain Relief Medications
These medications help manage pain until the inflammation subsides.
5. Procedures to Remove Gallstones
Patients may undergo a procedure called Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This procedure uses dye to visualize the bile ducts during imaging. The doctor can then use instruments to remove stones blocking the bile duct or cystic duct.
6. Gallbladder Drainage
Doctors may recommend gallbladder drainage (cholecystostomy) to eliminate the infection. This procedure is usually performed when a patient cannot undergo gallbladder removal surgery.
Treatment of Gallbladder Inflammation with ERCP at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri offers Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to treat gallbladder inflammation.
In addition to aiding diagnosis, one of the benefits of the ERCP procedure is its ability to clear bile duct blockages, which often cause gallbladder inflammation.
Moreover, ERCP has minimal risk of complications. This is because, during the procedure, the doctor does not perform surgery but instead inserts an endoscopic tube and guide wire to examine and remove gallstones blocking the bile duct.
- Dr. Hendra Koncoro, Sp.PD-KGEH
- Dr. Hendra Nurjadin, Sp.PD, KGEH
- Dr. Epistel Pangujian Simatupang, Sp.PD-KGEH
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