Can acute cholecystitis recur?

Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
Updated on October 21, 2024
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Acute cholecystitis can recur. This condition often results from a bacterial infection leading to an inflammatory response. At this stage, it can be treated with antibiotics to control the inflammation and alleviate the condition. However, if the gallbladder is not surgically removed, the inflammation can repeatedly flare up, potentially leading to chronic cholecystitis. This results in recurrent discomfort and pain in the upper right abdomen, affecting the quality of life. Therefore, for patients with acute cholecystitis, especially those caused by gallstones, it is advisable to undergo surgery as soon as possible. Only through surgical removal of the gallbladder can a complete cure be achieved, preventing recurrence.

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How to Diagnose Cholecystitis

The definitive diagnosis of cholecystitis mainly involves the following aspects: First, clinical manifestations are crucial. The most common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, and loss of appetite. Regarding physical examination, there is typically pain in the lower right abdomen and mid-lower right abdomen, with tenderness upon palpation. Furthermore, the onset of cholecystitis is characterized by postprandial pain, particularly after consuming fatty foods or feeling overly full. If these symptoms are present, further examination such as gallbladder ultrasound can be conducted to check for thickening of the gallbladder wall. Additionally, blood tests for inflammatory markers like complete blood count and CRP (C-reactive protein) can be performed. The diagnosis of cholecystitis can be confirmed by combining these symptoms and test results.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai
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Can acute cholecystitis recur?

Acute cholecystitis can recur. This condition often results from a bacterial infection leading to an inflammatory response. At this stage, it can be treated with antibiotics to control the inflammation and alleviate the condition. However, if the gallbladder is not surgically removed, the inflammation can repeatedly flare up, potentially leading to chronic cholecystitis. This results in recurrent discomfort and pain in the upper right abdomen, affecting the quality of life. Therefore, for patients with acute cholecystitis, especially those caused by gallstones, it is advisable to undergo surgery as soon as possible. Only through surgical removal of the gallbladder can a complete cure be achieved, preventing recurrence.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
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What are the symptoms of cholelithiasis cholecystitis?

Cholecystitis due to gallstones is relatively common in clinical practice, with abdominal pain being a frequent reason for seeking medical attention. The pain usually manifests in the upper abdomen or right side, occurring in intermittent or continuous episodes. Typically, the nature of the pain is described as distension, colic, or dull pain. Patients may also experience radiating pain in the lower back, typically extending to the right side of the abdomen. Additionally, a small number of patients may experience nausea, vomiting, and even fever alongside abdominal pain. Fevers are usually mild to moderate, with body temperatures around 38°C (100.4°F). Nausea and vomiting occur as a digestive response following gallbladder contraction and subsequent inflammatory stimulation, with vomitus generally consisting of gastric contents and bile, but not blood. Therefore, if gallstone-induced cholecystitis is suspected, it is recommended for patients to undergo active endoscopic removal, typically via laparoscopic surgery. Of course, older patients might be treated conservatively with medications.

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Gallblitis Symptoms

The symptoms of cholecystitis are divided into chronic cholecystitis and acute cholecystitis, and they present differently clinically. During acute cholecystitis, there is pain in the right upper abdomen in the gallbladder area, accompanied by fever, fatigue, decreased appetite, and even jaundice. Physical examination can reveal obvious tenderness and rebound pain in the right upper abdomen at the gallbladder. In contrast, chronic cholecystitis may not have obvious symptoms. Occasional pain may occur in the gallbladder area, but it is bearable. Typically, there is no obvious tenderness in the area, and the condition usually requires diagnosis through examinations such as an ultrasound.

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What should I do if cholecystitis does not improve?

If cholecystitis does not improve over time, it is crucial to actively identify the reasons behind this persistent issue. For instance, it could be due to improper diet, such as frequently consuming greasy foods or overeating. It might also be due to an acute exacerbation of chronic cholecystitis, or possibly because of the presence of polyps or stones in the gallbladder, which can lead to persistent cholecystitis. In such cases, it is important to pay closer attention to the diet, opting for lighter meals, and to take oral anti-inflammatory and bile-promoting medications for treatment. If necessary, gallbladder removal surgery may be required.