Conditions

Gallbladder disease

• Definition
• Causes
• Risk Factors
• Symptoms

• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Prevention
• Resources

Definition:

A gallbladder is a pear shaped organ that is located below the right hand side of the liver. Its purpose is to concentrate bile which is a liquid used to break down foods during digestion. The bile gets to the stomach by traveling through bile ducts. If the gallbladder is removed, it usually does not cause any digestive problems for individuals.

Causes:

Most gallbladder problems are related to gallstones that collect in the gallbladder. Gallstones are small, hard masses that are made of cholesterol and salt from bile that collect in the bile ducts. The gallstones can get stuck in a duct and cause a gallbladder attack. It is not known why some people develop gallstones and there no know way to prevent gallstone formation. If a gallstone blocks a duct, it prevents the release of bile and can lead to nausea and jaundice.

Risk factors:

Gallstones are more common in people:
Native Americans
With a family history of gallstones
Are overweight
Eat a lot of sugar
Pregnant
Do not exercise often
Have rapid weight loss
Use estrogen to manage menopause

Symptoms:

Sharp pain in upper or center of abdomen
Low fever
Nausea and feeling bloated
Jaundice

Diagnosis:

Gallstones are typically found by an ultrasound. Occasionally the physician may also order an x-ray for a better picture of the gallstones. Laboratory test that might be done include: complete blood count, liver function tests, and coagulation function.

Treatment:

For gallstones that do not produce symptoms, the treatment options are: patients can try to reduce fat intake, increase exercise, and lose weight. There is not a non-surgical treatment for gallstones that cause symptoms. The symptoms will continue until the gallbladder or gallstone is removed. Depending on the location of the gallstone, the surgeon might suggest stone retrieval. Surgical removal of the gallbladder is the safest way to treat symptomatic gallstones. The surgical removal of the gallbladder can be done by either a laparoscopic approach or open approach.

Prevention:

There is no way to prevent gallstones.

Resources:

Northwest Surgical Specialists, LLP

American College of Surgeons http://www.facs.org/public_info/operation/brochures/cholecystectomyoverv...