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Acute cholecystitis is a sudden inflammation of the gallbladder that causes severe abdominal pain.
See also: Chronic cholecystitis
Alternative NamesCholecystitis - acute
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsIn 90% of cases, acute cholecystitis is caused by gallstones in the gallbladder. Severe illness and, rarely, tumors of the gallbladder may also cause cholecystitis.
Acute cholecystitis causes bile to become trapped in the gallbladder. The buildup of bile causes irritation and pressure in the gallbladder. This can lead to bacterial infection and perforation of the organ.
Gallstones occur more frequently in women than men. Gallstones become more common with age in both sexes. Native Americans have a higher rate of gallstones.
SymptomsThe main symptom is abdominal pain that is located on the upper right side or upper middle of the abdomen. The pain may:
- Be sharp, cramping, or dull
- Come and go
- Spread to the back or below the right shoulder blade
- Occur within minutes of a meal
Other symptoms that may occur include:
- Abdominal fullness
- Clay-colored stools
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
A physical exam will show that your abdomen is tender to the touch.
Your doctor may order the following blood tests:
- Amylase and lipase
- Bilirubin
- Complete blood count ( CBC) -- may show a higher than normal white blood cell count
- Liver function tests
Imaging tests that can show gallstones or inflammation include:
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Abdominal CT scan
- Abdominal x-ray
- Oral cholecystogram
- Gallbladder radionuclide scan
Seek immediate medical attention for severe abdominal pain.
In the emergency room, patients with acute cholecystitis are given fluids through a vein and antibiotics to fight infection.
Although cholecystitis may clear up on its own, surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is usually needed when inflammation continues or recurs. Surgery is usually done as soon as possible, however some patients will not need surgery right away.
Nonsurgical treatment includes pain medicines, antibiotics to fight infection, and a low-fat diet (when food can be tolerated).
Emergency surgery may be necessary if gangrene (tissue death), perforation, pancreatitis, or inflammation of the common bile duct occurs.
Occasionally, in very ill patients, a tube may be placed through the skin to drain the gallbladder until the patient gets better and can have surgery.
Expectations (prognosis)Patients who have surgery to remove the gallbladder usually do very well.
Complications- Empyema (pus in the gallbladder)
- Gangrene (tissue death) of the gallbladder
- Injury to the bile ducts draining the liver (a rare complication of cholecystectomy)
- Pancreatitis
- Peritonitis(inflammation of the lining of the abdomen)
Call your health care provider if severe abdominal pain persists.
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of cholecystitis recur after an acute episode.
PreventionRemoval of the gallbladder and gallstones will prevent further attacks. Follow a low-fat diet if you are prone to gallstone attacks.
ReferencesSiddiqui T. Early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Am J Surg. 2008;195(1):40-47.
Chari RS, Shah SA. Biliary system. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2008:chap. 54.
Afdhal N. Diseases of the gallbladder and bile ducts. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap. 159.
What else can I help you with?
Is Cholecystitis acute?
The disorder can occur a single time (acute), or can recur multiple times (chronic).
What may precede an attack of cholecystitis?
An acute attack of cholecystitis is often associated with the consumption of a large, high-fat meal.
Icd-10 reporting clock that would contain acute cholecystitis with cholelithiasis with obstruction is?
K80.01
What has the author Clarence J Schein written?
Clarence J. Schein has written: 'Acute cholecystitis' -- subject(s): Cholecystitis 'The common bile duct' -- subject(s): Bile ducts, Gallstones, Radiography, Surgery
What is acalculus cholecystitis?
Acalculus cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder that occurs without the presence of gallstones. It can be caused by conditions like infections, ischemia, or biliary stasis. Symptoms are similar to those of cholecystitis with gallstones, including abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
What are alternative therapies for acute cholecystitis?
Conservative therapy, narcotic analgesics such as meperidine to relieve the intense pain associated with this condition.
What are the possible causes of acute abdomen?
The possible causes of acute abdomen are the following: 1. acute peptic ulcer and its complications; 2. acute cholecystitis; 3. acute pancreatitis; 4. acute intestinal ischemia; 5. acute appendicitis; 6. acute diverticulitis; 7. acute peritonitis; 8. ectopic tubal pregnancy with tubal rupture; 9. acute pyelonephritis; 10. acute ureteral colic; 11. diabetic ketoacidosis.
What is subacute cholecystitis?
Subacute cholecystitis is an inflammatory condition of the gallbladder that occurs after an initial acute cholecystitis episode, often characterized by a less intense inflammatory response. It may present with milder symptoms, such as intermittent abdominal pain or digestive issues, rather than the severe pain and fever associated with acute cases. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, and management can range from conservative treatment to surgical intervention, depending on the severity and underlying causes. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications, such as gallbladder perforation.
What are conservative therapies for acute cholecystitis?
The withholding of oral feedings, the use of intravenous feedings, and the administration of antibiotics and analgesics are only short-term and is usually followed by a cholecystectomy.
What causes decompressed gallbladder?
Emphysema is a lung condition. There is nothing called "emphysema of the gallbladder".Perhaps you mean Emphysematous cholecystitis, called clostridial cholecystitis, which is an acute infection of the gallbladder wall. It is caused by Clostridium or Escherichia coli and is generally considered a surgical emergency.
What four diseases make up gallstone disease?
The four diseases that make up gallstone disease are cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), choledocholithiasis (stones in the common bile duct), cholangitis (inflammation of the bile duct), and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
How do you spell gangeours gallbladder?
The infection with gangrene (from tissue necrosis or specific bacteria) is a complication of acute cholecystitis, and may be called a gangrenous gallbladder or gangrenous gall bladder. Because rupture of the bladder would release toxins into the entire abdomen, this is a critical medical situation.
