Gallbladder disease

Gallbladder disease encompasses a range of conditions that affect the gallbladder, a small pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver. The gallbladder's primary function is to store and concentrate bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Gallbladder disease can significantly impact digestion and cause various symptoms, including pain, nausea, and complications if left untreated.

Types of Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder disease can manifest in several forms, including:

• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis): Hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in the gallbladder. They vary in size and can cause blockages, leading to pain and infection.
• Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder, often due to gallstones blocking the ducts. This condition can be acute or chronic.
• Biliary Dyskinesia: A functional gallbladder disorder without the presence of gallstones, characterized by biliary colic symptoms due to abnormal gallbladder emptying.
• Choledocholithiasis: The presence of gallstones in the common bile duct, which can lead to blockages affecting both the gallbladder and liver.
• Gallbladder Polyps: Non-cancerous growths that may develop on the gallbladder wall, usually without symptoms.
• Gallbladder Cancer: A rare condition where malignant cells form in the tissues of the gallbladder.

Symptoms

Symptoms of gallbladder disease may vary depending on the specific condition but commonly include:

• Pain in the upper right abdomen, which may radiate to the back or shoulder
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever, particularly if infection is present
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Dark urine and pale stools
• Bloating and indigestion

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of gallbladder disease typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, including:

• Ultrasound: A non-invasive imaging technique used to detect gallstones and other abnormalities.
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: Provides detailed images of the gallbladder and surrounding structures.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Used to visualize the bile ducts (MRCP) and detect blockages or other abnormalities.
• Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid (HIDA) Scan: A nuclear imaging test to evaluate gallbladder function and bile flow.

Treatment

Treatment for gallbladder disease depends on the type and severity of the condition:

• Cholecystectomy: Surgical removal of the gallbladder, the most common treatment for symptomatic gallstones and cholecystitis.
• Medications: To dissolve gallstones or manage symptoms, although surgery is often eventually required.
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): A procedure to remove gallstones from the bile duct.
• Lifestyle Changes: Dietary modifications can help manage symptoms and prevent gallstone formation.

Prevention

Preventive measures for gallbladder disease include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, and avoiding rapid weight loss.

See Also

• Liver disease
• Digestive system
• Bile duct