Acute cholecystitis

Acute cholecystitis is a sudden inflammation of the gallbladder that causes severe abdominal pain. It is often caused by gallstones blocking the tube leading out of the gallbladder, leading to an accumulation of bile that can cause inflammation and infection.

Causes

The primary cause of acute cholecystitis is gallstones. These hard particles develop in the gallbladder due to an imbalance in the substances that make up bile. Other causes can include bile duct problems and tumors.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of acute cholecystitis is abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right area of the abdomen. Other symptoms can include fever, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of acute cholecystitis typically involves a physical examination, blood tests, and imaging tests. The physical examination can reveal tenderness in the upper right abdomen, and blood tests can show signs of infection or inflammation. Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or a computerized tomography (CT) scan, can show gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder.

Treatment

Treatment for acute cholecystitis usually involves hospitalization for pain control, hydration, and antibiotics to treat the infection. If the condition does not improve, surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) may be necessary.

Prognosis

With treatment, most people with acute cholecystitis can recover fully. However, if left untreated, the condition can lead to serious complications, such as a gallbladder rupture or a life-threatening infection.

See also

• Chronic cholecystitis
• Gallstones
• Cholecystectomy