Physical Health
Cholecystitis
Overview
Cholecystitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the gallbladder, a small organ located under the liver that stores bile. There are two main types of cholecystitis: acute and chronic.
Acute cholecystitis is a sudden onset of inflammation that can be caused by a gallstone blocking the duct that carries bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine. This can cause the bile to back up and cause inflammation and infection in the gallbladder.
Chronic cholecystitis is a long-term inflammation of the gallbladder that can be caused by recurrent episodes of acute cholecystitis.
Symptoms of cholecystitis can include:
- Abdominal pain, usually in the upper right side or middle of the abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
Diagnosis of cholecystitis typically involves a physical examination and may include tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or HIDA scan (which uses a small amount of radioactive material to take pictures of the gallbladder) to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for cholecystitis typically involves surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy), in order to prevent future episodes of inflammation and infection. Pain relief medication may be given and antibiotics are prescribed if there’s an infection. In cases of acute cholecystitis, most of the time the surgery is done electively within a few days of diagnosis, but in case of severe infection or complications, an emergency surgery may be needed.
It’s important to note that cholecystitis can be a serious condition if left untreated, so it’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have cholecystitis.
To discuss diagnosis and treatment options, please book an appointment with our specialist.
To learn more about appendicitis, please click on https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acute-cholecystitis/
Dr Ibrahim Yahli MD MRCPsych
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