What are the serious consequences of cholecystitis?

Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
Updated on November 13, 2024
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The severe consequences of cholecystitis include gangrene and perforation of the gallbladder, leading to obvious signs of peritonitis throughout the abdomen, with noticeable tenderness and rebound pain. For patients with recurrent cholecystitis, it is advisable to use antibiotics for anti-infection treatment as soon as possible, as the condition can only be alleviated after the inflammation is under control. During recurrent episodes, surgical treatment should also be considered promptly. Removal of the gallbladder through surgery is the only way to achieve a radical cure. In most cases, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is chosen because it has the advantages of smaller incisions, less damage, and faster recovery, and is therefore often the preferred option in clinical settings. Patients who have undergone surgery should also avoid spicy and irritating foods to reduce inflammation and better facilitate recovery.

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Is rib pain gallblitis?

The gallbladder is located in the upper right abdomen, at the intersection of the midpoint of the right costal margin and the costal arch, near the midclavicular line. If there is tenderness in this area, it indicates a positive Murphy's sign. Usually, an ultrasound can reveal whether there is gallbladder wall thickening or a rough surface. Additionally, the ultrasound can detect gallstones or bile duct stones. Furthermore, a complete blood count should be performed to check for elevated white blood cells, which could indicate acute suppurative cholangitis. This condition may present with fever, positive Murphy's sign, Charcot's triad or pentad, and all require ultrasound for differentiation. Rib pain is mostly related to trauma, strain, or localized pressure during sleep, such as from a pillow corner, ashtray, or remote control. It can also be associated with costochondritis or intercostal neuralgia, and breathing heavily or coughing may cause pain. To confirm a diagnosis of cholecystitis, an ultrasound and a complete blood count should be performed.

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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 Huang Gang
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How to deal with nausea and the urge to vomit from cholecystitis?

Nausea and vomiting caused by cholecystitis should be treated with medications according to individual clinical symptoms. At the same time, it is important to make a correct judgment based on the cause of the disease. If cholecystitis is caused by overeating, medications that aid digestion should be used first to alleviate symptoms. If a bacterial infection is confirmed, antibiotics should also be used to reduce inflammation and treat the condition symptomatically. Patients with cholecystitis should maintain a light diet, avoid overeating and greasy food, and should quit smoking and drinking alcohol, maintaining a structured lifestyle.

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Can cholecystitis be cured?

Can cholecystitis be cured? The answer is definitely yes. Cholecystitis can be cured through either medical or surgical means. Firstly, if it is chronic cholecystitis without obvious clinical symptoms, one can prevent acute attacks by paying attention to their daily life, avoiding high-fat and high-calorie diets, and keeping warm. If it is acute cholecystitis, then acute anti-infection treatment is needed. Moreover, if the inflammation is severe and the gallbladder is significantly enlarged, or there is even a risk of perforation, then emergency surgical treatment is necessary at this time.

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Which department should I go to for cholecystitis?

Firstly, it is necessary to determine the cause of the cholecystitis. The most common type of cholecystitis is caused by gallstones. If the cholecystitis is an acute episode caused by gallstones, leading to pain, nausea, vomiting, or even high fever, surgical intervention is usually indicated. It is generally recommended to consult with departments such as general surgery or hepatobiliary surgery, as emergency surgery may be needed. The second scenario involves cases where cholecystitis is detected during routine physical examinations without symptoms. Ultrasound may show gallstones or gallbladder polyps. In symptom-free situations, it is possible to consult general departments like gastroenterology, and regular follow-ups and checks of inflammation indicators, as well as abdominal ultrasonography, can be performed to monitor the dynamic changes of the cholecystitis. The third scenario pertains to cholecystitis where new techniques such as MRCP are available. With this technology, gallstones can be removed under endoscopic guidance. Generally, these procedures are performed in the gastroenterology department. Thus, for acute cholecystitis with choledocholithiasis and concurrent biliary pancreatitis, it may be treated with endoscopic techniques under gastroenterology, avoiding the need for traditional or minimally invasive surgery. Therefore, patients with cholecystitis may visit either the hepatobiliary surgery or gastroenterology departments.