ABSTRACT – Cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gall bladder which is a small pear shaped organ on the...
Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gall bladder which is a small pear shaped organ on the right side of the abdomen, under the liver. If it is inflamed, a person might feel pain in the upper right or mid- portion of the abdomen. The bile which is formed in the liver is stored in gall bladder which is used to digest food but if the cystic duct gets blocked by gallstone mostly, the gallbladder becomes swollen and infected which results in Cholecystitis.
Types –
Acute – Inflammation which causes severe pain in the mid or right upper abdomen.
Chronic – Inflammation which damages the wall of the gallbladder.
CAUSES –
Gallstones
Tumor
Bile duct blockage
RISK FACTORS –
Obesity
Aging
Family History
Oral contraceptives
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS –
In infants:
Nausea
Fever
Abdominal pain while taking deep breath
Cramps after eating heavy foods
DIAGNOSIS –
Abdominal Ultrasound – Identify the image of gallbladder and bile duct using sound waves
Abdominal CT – Computed Tomography is used to detect the actual image of gallbladder, bile duct and intestine.
Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) – It is performed to find out the unexplained pain in the abdomen. It is noninvasive and does not include Ionization Radiation
Nuclear Medicine Test
Blood Test
TREATMENT –
Fasting – To rest the gall bladder
Antibiotics
Pain Relief Medicationss
Surgery:
Laparoscopic Surgery – A laparoscope is inserted into the belly bottom to see inside the abdomen and remove gallbladder.
Open Surgery
RISK FACTORS –
Obesity
Gradual loss in weight
Drugs
Pregnancy
Aging
Critical illness
EPIDEMIOLOGY –
85% of the gallstones are cholesterol stones found worldwide.
Females are more prone to get affected from this condition.