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Gallbladder Disease
Gallbladder disease is a general term, used to describe problems that arise secondary to the presence of gallstones. The medical terminology is as follows:
1. CHOLECYSTITIS: This refers to inflammation of the gallbladder most often secondary to gallstones.
2. CHOLELITHIASIS: This is the term used to describe the presence of stones in the gallbladder..
3. CHOLEDOCHOLITHIASIS: This means there is a gallstone "stuck" inside the common bile duct (connecting the liver to the small intestine), or in the cystic duct (connecting the gallbladder to the common bile duct). The cystic duct to the common bile duct is the normal route through which the gallbladder empties bile into the intestine, to aid in the digestion of fats.
4. CHOLECYSTECTOMY: This term describes the surgical removal of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a digestive organ which acts as a storage site for bile that is produced in the liver. Bile promotes the digestion of fats within the intestine. About 30% of the population over age 40 will develop gallstones. Females are at greater risk than males. A family history for gallbladder disease seems to be a significant risk factor. About 5,000-8,000 deaths a year can be attributed to gallbladder disease. The symptoms of an acutely inflamed gallbladder result from the SUDDEN BLOCKAGE of the duct that empties the gallbladder (cystic duct or common bile duct). The gallbladder is anatomically located in the upper right-hand portion of your abdomen, just under the ribcage. Common symptoms include a "sharp" pain in the right upper section of your abdomen (along the margin of the ribcage). Nausea and vomiting are often present. Fever is present in more serious cases. The onset of the pain may occur shortly after a fatty meal. Evaluation will include history and physical examination. Blood tests for blood count, blood chemistry, liver profile, and amylase will be performed. Urinalysis may also show characteristic changes associated with this disease. Plain abdominal x-rays will show gallstones in approximately 12 to 15% of the people who have them. Definitive diagnosis can be made using gallbladder ultrasound. This test provides information on the presence of stones, as well as subtle changes that can indicate serious inflammation. Treatment is initially aimed at relieving pain, vomiting and inflammation. Patients with pain that spontaneously resolves ("biliary colic") with the absence of fever or vomiting may be sent home with close medical follow-up. Hospitalization will be required for severe cases with intractable pain, vomiting, and fever. Antibiotics and IV fluids will be administered until the inflammation subsides. Surgical removal of the gallbladder is recommended in most cases.Recently, new techniques have allowed the General Surgeon to remove the gallbladder through the laparoscope (a lighted tube that allows direct visual inspection). Results of this technique have been impressive, with markedly shorter recovery periods. Not all General Surgeons are trained and qualified in this procedure (laparoscopic cholecystectomy). Some newer medications (Actigall) are available that will dissolve gallstones (but only certain kinds of stones) over a long period of time (weeks to months). This type of therapy is only used in patients with gallstones who are asymptomatic. Patients should also be advised to reduce their weight (if indicated) as well as attempt to lower fats and cholesterol in their diet.
Hope this article will provide you information about gallbladder disease.
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