Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder disease refers to a range of conditions affecting the gallbladder, a small organ beneath the liver that stores bile. The most common issues include gallstones, which can block bile flow, and inflammation (cholecystitis), which may cause pain, nausea, and digestive issues. Gallstones can develop when there is an imbalance in the substances that make up bile, leading to solid particles forming within the gallbladder. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, especially after eating fatty foods, and jaundice.

Common Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder disease often presents with sharp pain in the right upper abdomen, which may radiate to the mid-abdomen or right side of the back/flank area. Other common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal cramps, low fever, and reflux pain after eating. If gallstones block the common bile duct, jaundice (yellowing of the skin) may occur.

Treatment Options for Gallbladder Disease

Treatment options for gallbladder disease include laparoscopic cholecystectomy, where the gallbladder is removed through small abdominal incisions, and open cholecystectomy, which involves a larger incision on the right side under the ribcage. Another option is ERCP, an endoscopic procedure used to remove stones from the biliary ducts.

Benefits and Risks of Treatment

The benefits of gallbladder surgery include pain relief, resolution of infections, and prevention of recurring gallstones in most cases. However, potential risks of the operation include bile leaks, bile duct injury, bleeding, infection, liver injury, hernia at the incision site, and anesthesia complications. Complications are rare but can be serious, including death.

Risks of Not Having Treatment

If left untreated, gallbladder disease can result in continued pain, worsening symptoms, and potential complications such as gallbladder rupture, infection, blood clots, and even death. It's essential to address symptoms early to prevent these risks.