WHAT IS ACUTE CHOLECYSTITIS   

Acute Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder. Mostly, the gallstones blocking the tube leading out of your gallbladder cause cholecystitis. The condition results in a bile buildup resulting in inflammation. Other known causes of Cholecystitis might include bile duct problems, tumours, serious illnesses  and other infections.If left untreated, cholecystitis can lead to serious, sometimes life-threatening complications. 

SOME COMMON SYMPTOMS OF  ACUTE CHOLECYSTITIS   

Cholecystitis’ signs and symptoms often occur after a meal, particularly a large or fatty one. You should make an appointment with the doctor if signs or symptoms are concerning. 

• Severe pain in your upper right or center abdomen

• Pain that spreads to your right shoulder or back

• Tenderness over  abdomen when touched

• Nausea & vomiting

• Fever

Causes of Cholecystitis 

• Gallstones can block the tube (cystic duct) through which bile flows when it leaves the gallbladder. Bile builds up, resulting in inflammation

• Tumour may prevent bile from draining out of your gallbladder properly, causing bile buildup 

• Bile duct blockage. Kinking or scarring of the bile ducts can cause blockages

• Infections such as AIDS and certain viral infections can trigger cholecystitis

• Blood vessel problems may result in decreased blood flow to the gallbladder

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

Diagnosis

• Blood tests

• Abdominal ultrasound, endoscopic ultrasound, or a computerized tomography (CT) scan 

• Hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) 

Treatment: Treatment for cholecystitis often involves gallbladder removal.

• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Gallbladder removal surgery is called a cholecystectomy, a minimally invasive procedure involving a few tiny incisions in your abdomen (laparoscopic cholecystectomy). An open procedure, in which a long incision is made in your abdomen, is rarely required.

• Once your gallbladder is removed, bile flows directly from your liver into your small intestine, rather than being stored in your gallbladder. You don't need your gallbladder to live normally.

• Fasting. You may not be allowed to eat or drink at first in order to take stress off your inflamed gallbladder

• Fluids through a vein in your arm helps prevent dehydration.

• If your gallbladder is infected, your doctor will likely recommend antibiotics.

• Pain medications can help control pain until the inflammation in your gallbladder is relieved.

• Your doctor may perform a procedure called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to remove any stones blocking the bile ducts or cystic duct.

Your symptoms are likely to decrease in two or three days. However, gallbladder inflammation often returns. Most people with the condition shall eventually need surgery to remove the gallbladder.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Complications

• Infection within the gallbladder. 

• Death of gallbladder tissue. 

• Torn gallbladder. 

Prevention

The following steps help preventing  gallstones:

• Lose weight slowly. Rapid weight loss can increase the risk of gallstones. It is ideal to aim to lose 1 or 2 pounds a week.

• Maintain a healthy weight by continuing to eat well and exercise.

• Choose a healthy diet  high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.