Top 5 symptoms of an inflamed gallbladder

• The gallbladder, the organ located just below the liver, is responsible for storing bile, a substance used by the body to facilitate the digestion and absorption of fats.
• The gallbladder can present different types of pathologies, the most common of which are: gallstones, cholecystitis and obstruction of the bile duct. All of these are removed by surgery, called cholecystectomy.
• The symptoms of all gallbladder problems are similar, varying in some cases. The best way to eliminate them completely is for the patient to undergo a cholecystectomy.

The gallbladder, a pear-sized organ beneath the liver, is responsible for storing bile. Bile is a yellow substance composed of water, bile salts, cholesterol, phospholipids and bile pigments.

The body uses bile to make it easier for vitamins and fats to be absorbed.

The gallbladder contracts when food reaches the small intestine, which also causes the opening of a sphincter called the "Sphincter of Oddi". It is this sphincter that allows bile to move into the small intestine. Once in the small intestine, the bile mixes with the food, thus performing its digestive function.

Occasionally, some gallbladder problems may occur, such as the presence of gallstones (cholelithiasis), inflammation of the gallbladder due to infection (cholecystitis) or obstructions of the bile duct (choledocholithiasis).

As for the symptoms suffered by the patient due to these problems, we can find the following:

The signs and symptoms of cholecystitis generally occur after meals, especially if they are abundant or fatty.

• Pain in the right upper part of the abdomen as well as, extending to the right shoulder or back, of an intensity that remains constant over time and does not improve with the intake of mild painkillers. This pain usually occurs after eating a large amount of food with a lot of fat.
• Fever higher than 37°C in some cases accompanied by chills. The fever gradually decreases with the use of antipyretic drugs.
• Jaundice, where the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellowish. This is not always present, occurring in only 20% of cases.
• Biliary dyspepsia, causing intolerance to fatty foods, nausea, heaviness, stomach pain, burning and vomiting.
• Murphy's sign, when the patient is examined in the abdomen, breathing becomes short due to pain on pressure in the area where the gallbladder is located (right hypochondrium).

In cases where gallbladder inflammation is not detected in time or symptoms are allowed to go untreated, the chances of developing complications are multiplied and the consequences can be very dangerous for the patient's health. 

Among the most common complications are:

• Gallbladder infection. If bile accumulates in the gallbladder, causing cholecystitis, the gallbladder can become infected.
• Necrosis of the gallbladder tissue. If cholecystitis is left untreated, it can lead to the death of gallbladder tissue. This is the most common complication, especially in the elderly, those with diabetes and those waiting for treatment. This can lead to a tear or rupture in the gallbladder.
• Gallbladder tear. A tear is a perforation in the gallbladder. This can result from inflammation, infection or necrosis of the gallbladder tissue.

We insist, if you detect any of the symptoms mentioned above, the most recommendable and effective way to solve the problem is to see a specialist or your family doctor, explain your case and assess the best treatments as soon as possible.

Having explained these symptoms and their complications, it should be noted that the most advisable thing to do when a patient has these symptoms is to have the gallbladder removed, known as cholecystectomy.

The gallbladder is not an essential organ for life, since if it is removed, the body carries out the digestive function by another route.

Some of the symptoms can make the patient unable to lead a normal life or prevent them from carrying out their daily activities. It is for this reason that the patient should consider undergoing this operation, which can be performed by open or laparoscopic, minimally invasive approach.

If you would like more information about the gallbladder removal surgery or cholecystectomy, please visit the following links:

• Gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy) by open approach.
• Gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy) by laparoscopic approach.

If you are suffering from the discomfort and pain caused by the development of gallstones, and you want to solve these symptoms and limitations as soon as possible, you can click on the image below to request a free surgical assessment consultation with our specialists in General and Digestive Surgery.

You can also call at +34 91 141 33 56 or fill in the contact form and our patient service department can contact you and arrange an appointment in the best private Hospitals in Spain with which we collaborate.