GALL BLADDER DISORDERS

1. Gallstones (Cholelithiasis)

This is the most common gall bladder problem.

What are gallstones?
Gallstones are hard stones formed from bile. They can be as small as sand or as large as a marble.

Why do they form?

• Too much cholesterol in bile

• Poor emptying of the gall bladder

• Obesity or rapid weight loss

• Pregnancy

• Increasing age

• Family history

Symptoms:

• Pain in the right upper abdomen

• Pain may go to the back or right shoulder

• Pain after eating oily or heavy food

• Nausea or vomiting

• Some people have no symptoms (silent stones)

2. Acute Cholecystitis (Gall Bladder Infection)

This happens when a gallstone blocks the outlet of the gall bladder.

Symptoms:

• Severe continuous pain on the right side of the abdomen

• Fever

• Vomiting

• Tenderness on touching the abdomen

👉 This is a medical emergency and usually needs hospital treatment.

3. Chronic Cholecystitis

Long-standing inflammation due to repeated gallstone attacks.

Symptoms:

• Recurrent abdominal pain

• Indigestion

• Bloating

• Discomfort after meals

The gall bladder becomes thick and shrunken over time.

4. Gall Bladder Polyps

These are small growths inside the gall bladder.​

• Polyps larger than 1 cm may need surgery because of cancer risk

5. Gall Bladder Cancer

This is rare but serious.

Risk factors:

• Long-standing gallstones

• Large gall bladder polyps

• Porcelain gall bladder (calcium deposits)

Symptoms (often late):

• Persistent pain

• Weight loss

• Jaundice (yellow eyes and skin)

How Are Gall Bladder Problems Diagnosed?

• Ultrasound abdomen – most common test

• Blood tests (during infection)

• CT scan or MRI (if needed)

Treatment of Gall Bladder Disorders

Medicines

• Used for pain relief and infection

• Gallstones  do not dissolve  with medicines

 

Surgery – Gall Bladder Removal (Cholecystectomy)

The best and permanent treatment for symptomatic gall bladder disease.

Types of surgery:

• Laparoscopic surgery (keyhole) – most common

• Open surgery – rarely needed

👉 The body works normally even without the gall bladder.

 

Life After Gall Bladder Removal

• Normal digestion in most people

• Mild loose stools initially in some patients

• Eat smaller, low-fat meals initially

• No long-term diet restrictions for most people

 

When to See a Doctor?

• Repeated abdominal pain

• Severe pain with fever or vomiting

• Yellowing of eyes or skin

• Pain after fatty meals

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