Cholecystitis (Infected Gallbladder)
Description
A blockage of bile flow can cause bacterial infections of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) or the ducts (cholangitis). The bile ducts carry bile from the liver to the gall bladder and then to the small intestine. The most common cause of bile blockage is gallstones. Another cause of cholecystitis is a non-functioning gallbladder. Cholecystitis from a non-functioning gallbladder is called acalculous cholecystitis. This disease can be very serious and lead to death if left untreated.
Symptoms
Abdominal pain (upper right abdomen), vomiting, fever, yellowing skin.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. An ultrasound will be done to identify the gallstones and establish the diagnosis. A CT scan and MRI can also be used. If no gallstones are seen a HIDA scan can detect a non functioning gallbladder that can also cause cholecystitis.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- Lipase
- CT Scan
- MRI
- Ultrasound
Treatment
Treatment includes: intravenous antibiotics and surgical removal of gallbladder (cholecystectomy). For more information contact the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov or (800)891-5389
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Why are pregnant women more susceptible to gallstones? I had never had them before I got pregnant. Thank goodness I didn't get an infected gallbladder before it was taken out. This sounds awful.