Cholecystitis
What Is Cholecystitis?
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by blockage affecting the normal flow of bile. The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver that stores bile to help digest fats.
Many people ask, “what is acute cholecystitis?” Acute cholecystitis is a sudden inflammation of the gallbladder that can cause severe abdominal pain, fever, and signs of infection. In some cases, symptoms develop quickly and require urgent medical treatment.
The most common cause of cholecystitis is gallstones blocking the cystic duct, sometimes referred to as calculous cholecystitis or gallstone cholecystitis. Less commonly, inflammation can develop without gallstones, known as acalculous cholecystitis.
Understanding what cholecystitis is caused by can help explain why some patients experience repeated gallbladder problems, biliary colic, or chronic inflammation over time.
What Are The Symptoms of Cholecystitis?
The signs and symptoms of cholecystitis can range from moderate discomfort to severe illness. The most common symptom is upper quadrant pain, usually affecting the right side of the abdomen beneath the ribs.
Other symptoms may include:
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Persistent abdominal pain
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Fever
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Nausea and vomiting
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Loss of appetite
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Tenderness over the gallbladder
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Pain after eating
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Jaundice in some cases
A key sign of cholecystitis is pain that does not settle quickly and may worsen over time. Some patients also develop additional symptoms linked to infection or blockage affecting the bile ducts or common bile duct.
If left untreated, possible complications can include pancreatitis, cholangitis, abscess formation, peritonitis, or sepsis. These conditions may become serious and require urgent medical advice and hospital treatment.
Diagnosis of Cholecystitis
Diagnosis usually begins with a clinical assessment of your symptoms, medical history, and examination of the abdomen. Your doctor may look for signs of inflammation, infection, or tenderness around the liver and gallbladder.
An ultrasound scan is commonly used to assess gallbladder inflammation, gallstones, or blockage involving the cystic duct and bile ducts. Blood tests may also help identify infection or liver involvement.
In some cases, additional imaging such as cholescintigraphy may be recommended if the diagnosis remains unclear. Further investigations, including endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), may sometimes be required where there are concerns involving the common bile duct.
Cholecystitis Treatment and Gallbladder Surgery
Treatment for cholecystitis depends on the severity of inflammation, the presence of infection, and whether complications are developing.
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Initial Treatment: Initial treatment often includes pain relief, fluids, antibiotics, and monitoring. Patients with acute cholecystitis may require hospital admission, particularly if symptoms are severe or infection is suspected.
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Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: The most common long-term treatment is gallbladder removal surgery, known as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This keyhole surgery removes the gallbladder through small incisions and is commonly recommended to prevent recurrent inflammation and ongoing gallbladder disease.
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Open Surgery: In some cases, open surgery may be necessary where there is severe inflammation, scar tissue, or complications affecting the liver and gallbladder.
Your surgeon, Steve Hornby, will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your symptoms, diagnosis, and overall health.
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Initial consultation
Book an appointment with Steve Hornby, consultant general surgeon, to discuss your symptoms, concerns, and medical history. You will have time to ask questions and receive clear information about possible next steps.
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Personalised treatment plan
Care tailored to you. Following your consultation, a clear treatment plan is created based on your diagnosis, needs, and goals. This may include further investigations, treatment options, or preparation for surgery where appropriate.
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Treatment and recovery support
Care that continues beyond treatment. If surgery is required, it is delivered in modern clinical facilities, with recovery supported through onsite physiotherapy and follow-up care. Ongoing reviews ensure your recovery stays on track.
Ready to talk things through?
If you have questions or would like to discuss your symptoms, we’re here to help. You’re welcome to call 01242 386579, email admin@thehornbygroup.com, or use the contact form to get in touch.