Gallbladder disease refers to a variety of conditions that affect the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver that stores bile, which aids in digestion. The most common forms of gallbladder disease include gallstone related conditions (biliary colic, acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, and gallstone pancreatitis), gallbladder polyps, and gallbladder cancer.
Symptoms
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Abdominal pain (particularly in the upper right side or center)
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Nausea and vomiting
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Indigestion or bloating, especially after eating fatty foods
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Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
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Dark urine and light-colored stools (signs of bile duct obstruction)
Causes/Risks
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Gallstones: Hardened deposits of bile in the gallbladder, often caused by an imbalance of cholesterol or bile salts.
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Obesity: Increases the risk of gallstones and gallbladder disease.
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Poor diet: A diet high in fat and cholesterol can lead to the formation of gallstones.
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Genetics: A family history of gallstones increases the risk.
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Age: Gallbladder problems become more common with age, particularly in women.
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Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of developing gallstones.
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Chronic diseases: Conditions like diabetes, Crohn’s disease, or cirrhosis may increase the likelihood of gallbladder issues.
Treatments
Treatment for gallstone related gallbladder disease focus on lifestyle changes and/or surgery.
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Lifestyle changes: Diet adjustments (reducing fat and cholesterol intake) to prevent further issues.
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Surgery: The most common treatment for severe gallbladder disease is cholecystectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder. This is typically recommended for people with recurrent symptoms or complications like inflammation or infection. This is performed at one of the hospitals under a general anesthetic.