INFLAMMATION OF THE GALLBLADDER
Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gallbladder, usually caused by gallstones blocking the outlet, presenting with severe right upper abdominal pain, fever and tenderness. Needs urgent hospital care and surgical management.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct (the outlet from the gallbladder). Less commonly, it can occur without stones (acalculous cholecystitis), particularly in critically ill patients. Typical features include severe right upper abdominal pain that worsens with deep breathing or movement, fever, nausea, vomiting, tenderness in the right upper abdomen and sometimes jaundice if the bile ducts are also involved. Without treatment, cholecystitis can lead to serious complications including gangrene, perforation, abscess formation and severe infection. Diagnosis is based on clinical features, blood tests, ultrasound and sometimes CT or MRI. Treatment involves hospital admission with intravenous fluids, antibiotic therapy, pain relief and surgical removal of the gallbladder, typically within a few days of admission. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides urgent evaluation and inpatient care, with surgical referral, at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Gallstones blocking the cystic duct (most common)
- Acalculous cholecystitis in critically ill patients
- Bile duct obstruction
- Infection of the gallbladder
- Reduced gallbladder motility
- Recent major surgery, trauma or severe illness
- Diabetes and weakened immunity in some patients
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Clinical features, blood tests, ultrasound and CT or MRI in selected cases
Mild · Moderate · Severe with complications
Hospital admission, IV fluids, antibiotic therapy, pain relief and surgical removal
Gangrene, perforation, abscess and severe infection if untreated
Often performed during the same admission
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad — inpatient and surgical care
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Urgent Hospital Care with Surgical Removal
The most effective approach is prompt hospital admission with intravenous fluids, antibiotic therapy, pain relief and surgical removal of the gallbladder, typically performed during the same admission. This relieves symptoms and prevents serious complications.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews symptoms, examines the abdomen and arranges urgent blood tests and ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A treatment plan is created with admission, IV therapy and coordination of surgical removal of the gallbladder.
- 3
Medical Management
IV fluids, antibiotic therapy, pain relief, monitoring for complications and surgical referral.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Follow-up after surgery to ensure full recovery, with dietary guidance and management of any persistent issues.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Hospital Admission with IV Fluids
Inpatient care with intravenous fluid replacement supports recovery and prepares for definitive treatment.
Antibiotic Therapy
Intravenous antibiotic therapy is given to treat infection and prevent complications.
Pain Relief
Effective pain management is provided to ease the severe abdominal pain typical of cholecystitis.
Surgical Removal of the Gallbladder (Referral for surgical evaluation)
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the definitive treatment, typically performed during the same admission.
Gallbladder Drainage in Selected Patients (Referral for radiology procedure)
In patients unfit for immediate surgery, percutaneous gallbladder drainage may be performed as a temporary measure.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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