Cholecystitis is a medical condition that occurs when the gallbladder becomes inflamed. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located just below the liver that stores bile, a substance produced by the liver to aid in the digestion of fats. When the gallbladder becomes inflamed, it can cause pain, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms.
CAUSE
The most common cause of cholecystitis is the presence of gallstones, which can block the bile duct and cause the gallbladder to become inflamed. Other causes may include infections, tumors, or injury to the gallbladder.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of cholecystitis can vary from mild to severe and may include:
- Severe pain in the upper right side of the abdomen that may radiate to the right shoulder or back
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Loss of appetite
- Bloating and gas
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Clay-colored stools
- Dark urine
TREATMENT
The treatment for cholecystitis depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. In general, the goal of treatment is to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and prevent complications.
- Pain management: Pain relief is usually the first step in treatment. Pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or opioids, may be prescribed to relieve pain.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be prescribed if the cholecystitis is caused by a bacterial infection.
- Gallbladder removal: In some cases, surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) may be necessary. This is usually done laparoscopically, which involves small incisions and a camera to guide the surgeon. After the gallbladder is removed, bile flows directly from the liver to the small intestine.
- Nonsurgical treatments: In some cases, nonsurgical treatments may be used to break up or dissolve gallstones. These treatments may include oral medications or sound waves (lithotripsy).
CHOLECYSTITIS WITH CHOLELITHIASIS
The treatment for cholecystitis with cholelithiasis may involve a combination of pain management, antibiotics, and surgery to remove the gallbladder. Pain relief is usually the first step in treatment, and medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or opioids may be prescribed to relieve pain.
Antibiotics may also be prescribed if there is evidence of infection or if the cholecystitis is severe. Surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is often recommended for those with cholecystitis with cholelithiasis, as it is the most effective way to prevent further episodes of cholecystitis and to eliminate the risk of complications from gallstones.
If surgery is not an option, nonsurgical treatments such as oral medications or sound waves (lithotripsy) may be considered to break up or dissolve the gallstones. It is important to follow the treatment plan recommended by your healthcare provider to manage cholecystitis with cholelithiasis and prevent complications.