Liver Disease

Cholecystitis

What is cholecystitis?

Cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gallbladder wall, usually caused by a gallstone in the cystic duct, the duct that connects the gallbladder to the hepatic duct. Sometimes cholecystitis is caused by a bacterial virus. Cholecystitis can be diagnosed as acute or chronic.

What are the symptoms of cholecystitis?

A typical attack of cholecystitis usually lasts two to three days. The following are the most common symptoms of gallstones. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

pain in the upper right part of the abdomen
pain (often worse with deep breaths and extends to lower part of right shoulder blade)
nausea
vomiting
rigid abdominal muscles on right side
slight fever

The symptoms of cholecystitis may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult a physician for diagnosis.

How is cholecystitis diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and medical examination, diagnostic procedures for cholecystitis may include:

ultrasound - a diagnostic technique which uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal organs
hepatobiliary scintigraphy - an imaging technique of the liver, bile ducts, gallbladder and upper part of the small intestine

Treatment for cholecystitis:

Treatment for acute cholecystitis usually involves a hospital stay, to reduce stimulation to the gallbladder. Antibiotics to fight the inflammation are usually administered. Sometimes the gallbladder is surgically removed. Specific treatment will be determined by your physician, based on:

your overall health and medical history
extent of the disease
your tolerance of specific medicines, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference

This page was last updated on: February 6, 2008.

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