Cholecystitis (infected gallbladder)

About Cholecystitis (infected gallbladder)

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 & Diagnostics

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.

Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Lipase, MRI, Ultrasound.

Conventional treatment summary

Treatment may include: 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

Medical specialties

General Surgery

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Cholecystitis (infected gallbladder).