Gallbladder Problems

1. Gallbladder Problems Gallbladder Gallbladder is a small four-inch, pear-shaped organ. It is located under your liver in the upper-right corner in your abdomen. The gallbladder acts as a storage organ which effectively stores bile, a combination of fluids, fat, and cholesterol. Bile helps in breakdown of fat molecules present in your food. It also helps in the delivery of bile into your small intestine. Some Common Gallbladder Problems Some common gallbladder problems experienced by people include: Gallstones or Cholelithiasis Gallstones are solid masses of cholesterol (or pigment) which greatly vary in size. Gallstones are formed due to accumulation of high levels of fat and bile salts in gallbladder, which results in the formation of crystals. With time, these crystals may combine together to form gallbladder stones (gallstones). They may or may not cause any symptoms in an individual. Gallstones are different from kidney stones which develop in kidneys. But, like kidney stones, gallstones can be removed without removing the gallbladder itself. However, removal of the gallbladder entirely is rather a common procedure as opposed to kidney stones where the kidney is rarely removed. Read about kidney stone pain.

2. Common Bile Duct Stones or Choledocholithiasis Bile is transported from the gallbladder through small tubes known as common bile duct. They also allow deposition of bile. Through the ducts, bile is transferred to small intestine. In some cases, gallstones can lodge or form in the common bile duct. In most cases, these stones are formed in the gallbladder and then they migrate into the common bile duct. These stones are specifically referred as secondary stone or a secondary common bile duct stone. Gallbladder Cancer The occurrence of a gallbladder cancer is extremely rare. But if it occurs, it can easily spread to other parts of your body. The most significant risk factors include gallstones, obesity, old age, porcelain gallbladder and high incidence risk in females. Inflamed Gallbladder/Cholecystitis Acute or sudden cholecystitis occurs when bile juice cannot enter the common bile duct. Such a condition may occur when gallstone obstructs the flow of bile juice in the common bile duct. Common bile duct is the only passage through which bile juice flows into the small intestine. Perforated Gallbladder If gallstones are not treated on priority basis, they can cause what is called as a perforated gallbladder. It leads to the development of a hole in the wall of the gallbladder. Perforation can also occur due to acute cholecystitis. Perforation of the gallbladder wall can lead to leakage of infection or bile juice into the surrounding body parts thereby causing a severe and widespread infection in the body.

3. Common Bile Duct Infection If the common bile duct gets blocked, it can lead to an infection. Common bile duct infection should be treated without any delay or else there are chances of it to spread and develop into severe or life-threatening infections. Dysfunctional Gallbladder or Chronic Gallbladder Disease Frequent episodes of gallstone or cholecystitis can damage the gallbladder permanently. This can lead to the development of a rigid, scarred gallbladder in your body. The most common symptoms of dysfunctional gallbladder include abdominal fullness, increased gas, diarrhea and indigestion. Gallstone Ileus Gallstone ileus is rare but a fatal condition. It occurs when a gallstone migrates to the intestine and blocks passage of food through it. Such a medical condition may require an emergency surgery to remove the blockage. Gallbladder Abscess A patient with gallstones can also develop pus in his/her gallbladder. Such a condition is known as empyema. It can lead to severe pain in the abdomen region. Gallbladder abscission is a serious condition which is quite difficult to treat. Diabetic patients or patients with weak immune system and obsesses people have elevated chances of developing gallbladder abscess. Porcelain (calcified) Gallbladder Porcelain gallbladder is a condition where the muscular walls of the gallbladder may accumulate large amount of calcium. Accumulation of

4. calcium makes them stiff, limits its function and also increases the risk of gallbladder cancer. Gallbladder Polyps Polyps are a specialized type of growth which is benign (noncancerous). Small gallbladder polyps often do not create any problem and may rarely produce any symptoms. Larger polyps, however, may need to be removed as they can put someone at a high risk of cancer.