What is Cholecystitis (Gallbladder Infection)?

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Cholecystitis, or inflammation of the gallbladder, occurs when a gallstone blocks bile (digestive juice) from leaving the organ. Typically, bile gets drained out of your gallbladder and into your small intestine. If this bile is blocked, it then gets built up in your gallbladder. This in turn causes inflammation, leading to a gallbladder infection and possibly, further complications such as severe infection.

The main symptom of a gallbladder infection is a sudden, sharp pain in your abdomen, which can spread from the upper right-hand side of your tummy up towards your right shoulder. Pain thatremains severe is considered a medical emergency, and you should see a doctor right away. This is known as acute cholecystitis.

Gallbladder infection (cholecystitis) can be caused by several factors:

Gallstones: The most common cause, gallstones can block the bile ducts, leading to a buildup of bile and subsequent infection.
Bile Duct Blockage: Other obstructions like tumors or strictures can block the bile ducts, causing infection.
Infections: Bacterial infections can develop in the bile, especially if the flow is obstructed, leading to inflammation and infection.

These factors can lead to gallbladder inflammation, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive, resulting in a gallbladder infection.

Gallbladder infections, or cholecystitis, can lead to severe health risks if not treated promptly. Here are the key gallbladder infection complications:

Infection Within the Gallbladder
When bile builds up within the gallbladder, it can lead to bacterial infections. This complication may cause symptoms like intense pain, fever, and nausea.
Burst Gallbladder (Gallbladder Perforation)
If a gallbladder infection escalates, the walls of the gallbladder can weaken and rupture. This condition allows bile and infection to spill into the abdominal cavity, resulting in peritonitis, a dangerous infection of the abdominal lining.
Gangrene of the Gallbladder
Severe cases of infection can restrict blood flow to the gallbladder, leading to tissue death or gangrene.
Risk of Gallbladder Cancer
Recurrent and long-standing infections, particularly in people with chronic cholecystitis, may increase the risk of developing gallbladder cancer. While this is rare, it is a serious concern for individuals with ongoing gallbladder health issues.

At our clinic, we offer comprehensive diagnostic services to identify gallbladder conditions and provide timely treatment. Here’s how we diagnose gallbladder infections:

1. Medical History and Physical Examination

Our doctor starts with a thorough consultation, discussing your medical history and current symptoms. A physical examination may be conducted to check for tenderness in the abdomen, particularly in the upper right side.

2. Blood Tests for Infection Markers

Blood tests are an essential part of the diagnostic process at our clinic. They can reveal signs of infection or inflammation, such as elevated white blood cell counts or abnormal liver enzyme levels, which are often associated with gallbladder infections.

3. Imaging Tests

To confirm the diagnosis, we use imaging tools designed to evaluate gallbladder health:

Ultrasound for Gallbladder: This is the most common and reliable test for gallbladder issues. It can detect gallstones, thickening of the gallbladder wall, or fluid around the organ, which are indicative of cholecystitis.
CT Scan: A more detailed imaging option, a CT scan provides clear visuals of the gallbladder and surrounding structures, helping to assess complications like perforations or abscesses.

Gallbladder infections, or cholecystitis, require prompt medical attention to prevent serious complications. The most common gallbladder infection treatment options offered in our clinic includes:

Medication Management

For mild infections, antibiotics are prescribed to target bacteria and reduce inflammation. Pain relievers may also be given to reduce discomfort caused by gallbladder swelling. This treatment alone may suffice if the infection is caught early.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Keyhole Surgery)

The laparoscopic method, also called keyhole surgery, involves small incisions to remove the gallbladder with minimal downtime. It is the preferred treatment for many cases of acute gallbladder infection.

Open Cholecystectomy

For severe cases, such as those involving gangrene or large gallstones, an open cholecystectomy may be necessary. This involves a larger incision but is often required if complications make the laparoscopic option unsuitable.

Chronic cholecystitis means that you’ve had multiple attacks of inflammation and pain, which are typically less severe and doesn’t last as long. These are caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct occasionally.

Depending on your symptoms, a Gallbladder Surgeon like Dr Kan Yuk Man will examine you and look at your past and present health records. You may then be asked to go for further screening and tests to diagnose your condition accurately.

A treatment plan will then be presented to you, ranging from medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery.

If you face any symptoms similar to that of Cholecystitis, we highly recommend for you to seek a specialist’s opinion from a Gallbladder Surgeon like Dr Kan Yuk Man immediately.