BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuAcute cholecystitisCholecystitis - acute; Gallstones - acute cholecystitisAcute cholecystitis is sudden swelling and irritation of the gallbladder. It causes severe belly pain. Causes The gallbladder is an organ that sits below the liver. It stores bile, which is produced in the liver. Your body uses bile to digest fats in the small intestine. Acute cholecystitis occurs when bile becomes trapped in the gallbladder. This often happens because a gallstone blocks the cystic duct, the tube through which bile travels into and out of the gallbladder. When a stone blocks this duct, bile builds up, causing irritation and pressure in the gallbladder. This can lead to swelling and infection.BileBile is a fluid that is made and released by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile helps with digestion. It breaks down fats into fatty acid...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article GallstoneGallstones are hard deposits that form inside the gallbladder. These may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersOther causes include:Serious illnesses, such as HIV or diabetes Tumors of the gallbladder (rare) Some people are more at risk for gallstones. Risk factors include:Being female Pregnancy Hormone therapy Older age Being Native American or Hispanic Obesity Losing or gaining weight rapidly Diabetes Sometimes, the bile duct becomes blocked temporarily. When this occurs repeatedly, it can lead to long-term (chronic) cholecystitis. This is swelling and irritation that continues over time. Eventually, the gallbladder becomes thick and hard. It does not store and release bile as well as it did. Long-term (chronic) cholecystitisChronic cholecystitis is swelling and irritation of the gallbladder that continues over time. The gallbladder is a sac located under the liver. It s...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms The main symptom is pain in the upper right side or upper middle of your belly that usually lasts at least 30 minutes. You may feel:Sharp, cramping, or dull pain Steady pain Pain that spreads to your back or below your right shoulder blade Other symptoms that may occur include:Clay-colored stools Fever Nausea and vomiting Yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice) JaundiceJaundice is a yellow color of the skin, mucus membranes, or eyes. The yellow coloring comes from bilirubin, a byproduct of old red blood cells. Jau...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. During the physical exam, you will likely have pain when the provider touches your belly.Your provider may order the following blood tests:Amylase and lipase AmylaseAmylase is an enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates. It is made primarily in the pancreas and the glands that make saliva, and can be found at low ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Bilirubin BilirubinThe bilirubin blood test measures the level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid made by the liver. Bi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Complete blood count (CBC) CBCA complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Liver function testsLiver function testsLiver function tests are common tests that are used to see how well the liver is working. Tests include:AlbuminAlpha-1 antitrypsinAlkaline phosphata...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Imaging tests can show gallstones or inflammation. You may have one or more of these tests:Abdominal ultrasound Abdominal ultrasoundAbdominal ultrasound is a type of imaging test. It is used to look at organs in the abdomen, including the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and kidneys...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Abdominal CT scan or MRI scan Abdominal CT scanAn abdominal CT scan is an imaging test that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the belly area. CT stands for computed tomography....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Abdominal x-ray Abdominal x-rayAn abdominal x-ray is an imaging test to look at organs and structures in the abdomen. Organs include the liver, spleen, stomach, and intestines. T...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Oral cholecystogram Gallbladder radionuclide scanGallbladder radionuclide scanGallbladder radionuclide scan is a test that uses radioactive material to check gallbladder function. It is also used to look for bile duct blockage...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment If you have severe belly pain, seek medical attention right away.In the emergency room, you'll be given fluids through a vein. You also may be given antibiotics to fight infection.Cholecystitis may clear up on its own. However, if you have gallstones, you will probably need surgery to remove your gallbladder.Surgery to remove your gallbladderOpen gallbladder removal is surgery to remove the gallbladder through a large cut in your abdomen. The gallbladder is an organ that sits below the li...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nonsurgical treatment includes:Antibiotics you take at home to fight infection Low-fat diet (if you are able to eat) Pain medicines You may need emergency surgery if you have complications such as: Tissue death (gangrene) of the gallbladder GangreneGangrene is the death of tissue in part of the body.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article A hole that forms in the wall of the gallbladder (perforation) Inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis) Inflamed pancreasAcute pancreatitis is sudden swelling and inflammation of the pancreas.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Persistent bile duct blockage Inflammation of the common bile duct If you are very ill, a tube may be placed through your belly into your gallbladder to drain it. Once you feel better, your provider may recommend that you have surgery.SurgeryOpen gallbladder removal is surgery to remove the gallbladder through a large cut in your abdomen.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) Most people who have surgery to remove their gallbladder recover completely. Possible Complications Untreated, cholecystitis may lead to any of the following health problems:Empyema (pus in the gallbladder) EmpyemaEmpyema is a collection of pus in the space between the lung and the inner surface of the chest wall (pleural space).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Gangrene Injury to the bile ducts draining the liver (may occur after gallbladder surgery) Pancreatitis Perforation Peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdomen) PeritonitisPeritonitis is an inflammation (irritation) of the peritoneum. This is the thin tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers most of t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have:Severe belly pain that does not go away Symptoms of cholecystitis return Prevention Removing the gallbladder and gallstones will prevent further attacks.Open ReferencesReferencesGlasgow RE. Treatment of gallstone disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 66.Radkani P, Hawksworth J, Fishbein T. Biliary system. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 55.Wang DQ-H, Afdhal NH. Gallstone disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 65.AllVideoImagesTogDigestive system - illustration The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.Digestive systemillustrationCholecystitis, CT scan - illustration This is a CT scan of the upper abdomen showing cholecystitis (gall stones).Cholecystitis, CT scanillustrationCholecystitis - cholangiogram - illustration Cholelithiasis can be seen on a cholangiogram. Radio-opaque dye is used to enhance the x-ray. Multiple stones are present in the gallbladder (PTCA).Cholecystitis - cholangiogramillustrationCholecystolithiasis - illustration Cholecystolithiasis. CT scan of the upper abdomen showing multiple gallstones.CholecystolithiasisillustrationGallstones, cholangiogram - illustration A cholecystogram in a patient with gallstones.Gallstones, cholangiogramillustrationGallbladder removal - SeriesPresentation Digestive system - illustration The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.Digestive systemillustrationCholecystitis, CT scan - illustration This is a CT scan of the upper abdomen showing cholecystitis (gall stones).Cholecystitis, CT scanillustrationCholecystitis - cholangiogram - illustration Cholelithiasis can be seen on a cholangiogram. Radio-opaque dye is used to enhance the x-ray. Multiple stones are present in the gallbladder (PTCA).Cholecystitis - cholangiogramillustrationCholecystolithiasis - illustration Cholecystolithiasis. CT scan of the upper abdomen showing multiple gallstones.CholecystolithiasisillustrationGallstones, cholangiogram - illustration A cholecystogram in a patient with gallstones.Gallstones, cholangiogramillustration Gallbladder removal - SeriesPresentation A Closer Look Gallstones and gallbladder disease - InDepth(In-Depth)Related Information Abdominal pain(Symptoms)Gallstones(Condition)Bile(Special Topic)Empyema(Condition)Peritonitis(Condition)Laparoscopic gallbladder removal(Surgery)Gallstones - discharge(Discharge)Gallbladder removal - laparoscopic - discharge(Discharge)Gallbladder removal - open - discharge(Discharge)Gallstones and gallbladder disease - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 8/7/2023 Reviewed By: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Acute cholecystitisCholecystitis - acute; Gallstones - acute cholecystitisAcute cholecystitis is sudden swelling and irritation of the gallbladder. It causes severe belly pain. Causes The gallbladder is an organ that sits below the liver. It stores bile, which is produced in the liver. Your body uses bile to digest fats in the small intestine. Acute cholecystitis occurs when bile becomes trapped in the gallbladder. This often happens because a gallstone blocks the cystic duct, the tube through which bile travels into and out of the gallbladder. When a stone blocks this duct, bile builds up, causing irritation and pressure in the gallbladder. This can lead to swelling and infection.BileBile is a fluid that is made and released by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile helps with digestion. It breaks down fats into fatty acid...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article GallstoneGallstones are hard deposits that form inside the gallbladder. These may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersOther causes include:Serious illnesses, such as HIV or diabetes Tumors of the gallbladder (rare) Some people are more at risk for gallstones. Risk factors include:Being female Pregnancy Hormone therapy Older age Being Native American or Hispanic Obesity Losing or gaining weight rapidly Diabetes Sometimes, the bile duct becomes blocked temporarily. When this occurs repeatedly, it can lead to long-term (chronic) cholecystitis. This is swelling and irritation that continues over time. Eventually, the gallbladder becomes thick and hard. It does not store and release bile as well as it did. Long-term (chronic) cholecystitisChronic cholecystitis is swelling and irritation of the gallbladder that continues over time. The gallbladder is a sac located under the liver. It s...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms The main symptom is pain in the upper right side or upper middle of your belly that usually lasts at least 30 minutes. You may feel:Sharp, cramping, or dull pain Steady pain Pain that spreads to your back or below your right shoulder blade Other symptoms that may occur include:Clay-colored stools Fever Nausea and vomiting Yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice) JaundiceJaundice is a yellow color of the skin, mucus membranes, or eyes. The yellow coloring comes from bilirubin, a byproduct of old red blood cells. Jau...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. During the physical exam, you will likely have pain when the provider touches your belly.Your provider may order the following blood tests:Amylase and lipase AmylaseAmylase is an enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates. It is made primarily in the pancreas and the glands that make saliva, and can be found at low ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Bilirubin BilirubinThe bilirubin blood test measures the level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid made by the liver. Bi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Complete blood count (CBC) CBCA complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Liver function testsLiver function testsLiver function tests are common tests that are used to see how well the liver is working. Tests include:AlbuminAlpha-1 antitrypsinAlkaline phosphata...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Imaging tests can show gallstones or inflammation. You may have one or more of these tests:Abdominal ultrasound Abdominal ultrasoundAbdominal ultrasound is a type of imaging test. It is used to look at organs in the abdomen, including the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and kidneys...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Abdominal CT scan or MRI scan Abdominal CT scanAn abdominal CT scan is an imaging test that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the belly area. CT stands for computed tomography....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Abdominal x-ray Abdominal x-rayAn abdominal x-ray is an imaging test to look at organs and structures in the abdomen. Organs include the liver, spleen, stomach, and intestines. T...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Oral cholecystogram Gallbladder radionuclide scanGallbladder radionuclide scanGallbladder radionuclide scan is a test that uses radioactive material to check gallbladder function. It is also used to look for bile duct blockage...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment If you have severe belly pain, seek medical attention right away.In the emergency room, you'll be given fluids through a vein. You also may be given antibiotics to fight infection.Cholecystitis may clear up on its own. However, if you have gallstones, you will probably need surgery to remove your gallbladder.Surgery to remove your gallbladderOpen gallbladder removal is surgery to remove the gallbladder through a large cut in your abdomen. The gallbladder is an organ that sits below the li...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nonsurgical treatment includes:Antibiotics you take at home to fight infection Low-fat diet (if you are able to eat) Pain medicines You may need emergency surgery if you have complications such as: Tissue death (gangrene) of the gallbladder GangreneGangrene is the death of tissue in part of the body.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article A hole that forms in the wall of the gallbladder (perforation) Inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis) Inflamed pancreasAcute pancreatitis is sudden swelling and inflammation of the pancreas.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Persistent bile duct blockage Inflammation of the common bile duct If you are very ill, a tube may be placed through your belly into your gallbladder to drain it. Once you feel better, your provider may recommend that you have surgery.SurgeryOpen gallbladder removal is surgery to remove the gallbladder through a large cut in your abdomen.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) Most people who have surgery to remove their gallbladder recover completely. Possible Complications Untreated, cholecystitis may lead to any of the following health problems:Empyema (pus in the gallbladder) EmpyemaEmpyema is a collection of pus in the space between the lung and the inner surface of the chest wall (pleural space).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Gangrene Injury to the bile ducts draining the liver (may occur after gallbladder surgery) Pancreatitis Perforation Peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdomen) PeritonitisPeritonitis is an inflammation (irritation) of the peritoneum. This is the thin tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers most of t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have:Severe belly pain that does not go away Symptoms of cholecystitis return Prevention Removing the gallbladder and gallstones will prevent further attacks.Open ReferencesReferencesGlasgow RE. Treatment of gallstone disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 66.Radkani P, Hawksworth J, Fishbein T. Biliary system. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 55.Wang DQ-H, Afdhal NH. Gallstone disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 65.
