Gallbladder inflammation

A gallbladder infection is a inflammation of the gallbladder. The gall bladder is a temporary repository of bile fluid. Bile fluid is produced by the liver. Bile fluid enters the gall bladder via bile ducts. The bile fluid is stored there. If you have eaten fat, the gallbladder receives a signal to contract. The contractions release bile fluid into the bile ducts. The bile fluid enters the small intestine via the bile ducts, where it is needed for fat digestion. One sudden and one-off inflammation is called a acute gallbladder inflammation. When the ignition recurs regularly or remains present for a long time then one speaks of a chronic gallbladder inflammation.

In the beginning, there is mainly severe, persistent pain in the upper right abdomen. The pain often increases with take a deep breath and can radiate to the right shoulder blade. The sharp pain that the patient feels when the doctor presses on the upper right abdomen is also characteristic.

In addition to pain, complaints such as nausea and vomiting are common. Some of the patients have fevers or increase. Decolorized stools and dark urine are signals that the bile ducts are closed.

An inflammation of the gallbladder is almost always caused by a gallstone that shuts off the outflow and supply of bile fluid to the gallbladder. With only 5% of people with a gallbladder infection, there is a other cause. This can be an infection due to surgery, a serious injury, or a burn.

The diagnosis is often made based on the symptoms in combination with blood tests. Blood tests can be done to determine whether there is an infection/inflammation. In addition, blood tests for liver functions may show a decreased discharge of bile fluid. For example, an increased level of bilirubin can be seen in the blood.

Ultrasound (ultrasound)

Gallstones that are in the gallbladder or bile ducts can be detected with an ultrasound. A thickening of the gallbladder wall, as a result of inflammation, can also be seen on an ultrasound. An ultrasound is imaging research that uses sound waves. Sometimes an ultrasound does not provide sufficient clarity. In that case, a CT scan whether MRI scan be done. These are imaging studies that produce accurate images (in sections or “slices”) of the gallbladder and liver.

Operation

In principle, the treatment consists of surgical removal of the gallbladder and gallstones. Surgery is sometimes not possible in case of acute inflammation. In that case, you will be hospitalized and will usually receive antibiotics and pain relievers. If the attack subsides, the operation can still take place if necessary. Removing the gallbladder (gallbladder resection) can be done via keyhole surgery (laparoscopy) or open abdominal surgery (with a slightly larger incision).

ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio- and Pancreatic Cography)

Gallstones that are in the bile ducts can sometimes be removed by means of a ERCP (a viewing examination of the biliary tract). This is an endoscopy of the biliary tract, where the doctor can perform minor procedures. Through the mouth, esophagus, stomach and duodenum, the doctor can enter the bile ducts with a flexible tube (endoscope). Using a gripper on the endoscope that can be raised by the endoscope, the doctor can remove gallstones.