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Gallbladder disease - Overview

Alternative Names

Biliary disease; Gallbladder attack; Biliary colic

Definition of Gallbladder disease:

Gall bladder disease includes inflammation, infection, stones, or obstruction of the gallbladder.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The gallbladder is a sac located under the liver. It stores and concentrates bile produced in the liver. Bile aids in the digestion of fats, and is released from the gallbladder into the upper small intestine (duodenum) in response to food (especially fats). Conditions that slow or obstruct the flow of bile out of the gallbladder result in gallbladder disease.

Types of gallbladder disease include:

Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
Cholelithiasis (gallstones)

Digestive system

Gallbladder

Gallbladder anatomy

Reviewed last on: 3/8/2008
Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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