Cholecystitis is a common but serious medical condition that affects the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. The gallbladder plays an important role in digesting fats by storing and releasing bile. When the gallbladder becomes inflamed, this condition is called cholecystitis. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications, including gallbladder rupture, abscess formation, or widespread infection.
In this blog, we will discuss the causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of cholecystitis in detail.
What is Cholecystitis?
Cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gallbladder, most often caused by gallstones blocking the bile ducts. This blockage prevents bile from flowing out, causing irritation, swelling, and sometimes infection. The condition may occur suddenly (acute cholecystitis) or develop slowly over time (chronic cholecystitis).
Causes of Cholecystitis
The most common cause of cholecystitis is gallstones (cholelithiasis), but there are other possible reasons as well:
- Gallstones: Blockage of the cystic duct by stones.
- Tumors: Can prevent bile drainage, leading to gallbladder inflammation.
- Bile duct blockage (stricture): Narrowing of ducts due to scarring.
- Infections: Viral or bacterial infections in the bile ducts.
- Injury or trauma: After surgery or accidents affecting the abdomen.
Risk Factors
Certain factors increase the risk of developing cholecystitis:
- Being female (especially middle-aged women).
- Obesity or sudden weight loss.
- High-fat diet or high cholesterol.
- Pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Family history of gallstones.
Symptoms of Cholecystitis
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Severe abdominal pain in the upper right or center, often radiating to the back or shoulder.
- Pain after fatty meals.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Fever and chills (suggesting infection).
- Tenderness over the right upper abdomen.
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes, in complicated cases).
If the pain lasts longer than a few hours or is accompanied by fever, immediate medical attention is required.
Complications of Untreated Cholecystitis
If not treated on time, cholecystitis can lead to:
- Gallbladder rupture (burst gallbladder).
- Gangrene of the gallbladder.
- Abscess formation.
- Sepsis (blood infection).
- Chronic cholecystitis with permanent damage.
Diagnosis of Cholecystitis
Doctors use several diagnostic tools to confirm cholecystitis:
- Physical examination and history taking.
- Ultrasound (most common and effective test).
- CT scan or MRI for detailed imaging.
- HIDA scan (hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan) to check bile flow.
- Blood tests to detect infection and inflammation.
Treatment of Cholecystitis
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition:
1. Initial Management
- Hospitalization for observation.
- Fasting (NPO) to rest the gallbladder.
- IV fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Pain relievers and antibiotics if infection is present.
2. Surgical Treatment
- Cholecystectomy (surgical removal of the gallbladder) is the standard treatment, especially for recurrent or severe cases.
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (minimally invasive surgery) is commonly performed.
3. Non-Surgical Options
For patients unfit for surgery:
- Percutaneous cholecystostomy (drainage of gallbladder).
- Medications to dissolve gallstones (rarely effective).
Prevention of Cholecystitis
While not always preventable, certain lifestyle changes can reduce risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat a balanced diet low in fat and cholesterol.
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid rapid weight loss diets.
Key Takeaway
Cholecystitis is a painful and potentially dangerous condition that requires timely medical care. If you experience severe right-sided abdominal pain, fever, or nausea, seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and proper treatment, including surgery if needed, can prevent serious complications.
