What is cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation)?
Cholecystitis, typically caused by the obstruction of the gallbladder neck, is a condition where inflammation of the gallbladder occurs. The gallbladder stores bile, a digestive fluid, and when the body needs it to digest fats, the gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine; however, if the pathway to the small intestine is blocked, bile becomes trapped, leading to irritation and inflammation of the gallbladder.
What are the causes of cholecystitis?
Cholecystitis can be caused by factors such as gallstones, issues with the bile ducts, tumors, and certain infections.
What are the symptoms of cholecystitis?
The most common symptoms of gallbladder inflammation are nausea and vomiting, typically occurring after the consumption of large or high-fat meals. These symptoms are often mistaken for other health issues; however, the presence of pain in the upper abdomen, back, or below the right shoulder blade can suggest gallbladder inflammation. Other symptoms may include fever, bloating, yellowing of the skin and eyes, and tenderness in the abdomen.
How is cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation) diagnosed?
Following a detailed patient history and examination based on complaints, blood tests, imaging methods such as ultrasound, endoscopic ultrasound and computed tomography, and hepatobiliary iminodiacetic (HIDA) scanning, which shows the spread of bile in the body, are performed for diagnosis.
How is cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation) treated?
Various drug supplements and surgical methods are used in the treatment of gallbladder inflammation. People with the diagnosis are asked to stay in the hospital and may not be allowed to eat or drink fluids so that the inflamed gallbladder can rest. Nutrition is provided through the vein. Inflammation and the pain it causes are controlled by using antibiotics and painkillers. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be performed to remove stones blocking the bile ducts. Following these applications, symptoms are expected to decrease within 2 to 3 days.
Gallbladder inflammation often recurs. To avoid this situation, the gallbladder can be removed surgically. Surgery is planned depending on the severity of symptoms and risks that may occur during and after surgery.
Gallbladder removal surgery is called cholecystectomy. It is a minor procedure performed with the help of a small incision in the abdomen (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) and takes approximately 1 hour. After surgery, bile flows directly from the liver to the small intestine rather than being stored in the gallbladder. There is no need for any diet after surgery.