GALLBLADDER PROBLEMS

The gallbladder is a small sac in the abdomen that stores bile, which the liver produces to digest fat and absorb fat-soluble nutrients. For most people, the gallbladder doesn’t cause any problems but if there is a blockage that slows or blocks the flow of bile then it can be very painful and often requires immediate medical attention.

COMMON GALLBLADDER PROBLEMS

Gallstones, or cholelithiasis, are solid masses of cholesterol that occur when high levels of fat and bile cause crystals to form. If these crystals combine and expand, they become gallstones. Bile is transported from the gallbladder to the small intestine through the common bile duct and sometimes gallstones can move from the gallbladder into the bile duct or form in the duct itself. If a gallstone migrates to the intestine and blocks it, it’s known as a gallstone ileus.

Gallbladder cancer is a very rare type of cancer but can spread to other parts of the body. Gallbladder polyps are typically non-cancerous growths; smaller polyps rarely produce symptoms, but larger polyps might need to be removed.

An inflamed gallbladder, or cholecystitis, occurs when the bile can’t leave the gallbladder, leading to swelling and infection and eventually damaging the gallbladder.

A perforated gallbladder or chronic gallbladder disease can be the result of leaving gallstones untreated. Sometimes pus can develop in the gallbladder and an abscess can form.

DIAGNOSIS

If it is suspected you have a gallbladder problem, your surgeon will order an ultrasound or CT scan to image the gallbladder and identify if any gallstones have formed. To assess whether there is a blockage in the bile ducts, you may need an MRI, hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan or an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Blood tests can identify an infection, pancreatitis or an inflammation of the bile ducts.

TREATMENT

Gallstones which are not causing any symptoms may not require any treatment. If gallstones are causing problems, then they and/or the gallbladder will be removed in a procedure known as a cholecystectomy. The gallbladder or gallstones are removed by laparoscopic surgery which means only small incisions are made in the abdomen.

DIAGNOSIS

If it is suspected you have a gallbladder problem, your surgeon will order an ultrasound or CT scan to image the gallbladder and identify if any gallstones have formed. To assess whether there is a blockage in the bile ducts, you may need an MRI, hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan or an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Blood tests can identify an infection, pancreatitis or an inflammation of the bile ducts.

TREATMENT

Gallstones which are not causing any symptoms may not require any treatment. If gallstones are causing problems, then they and/or the gallbladder will be removed in a procedure known as a cholecystectomy. The gallbladder or gallstones are removed by laparoscopic surgery which means only small incisions are made in the abdomen.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

— Is it possible to prevent gallstones?

Some patients have a higher risk of developing gallstones and there are certain steps they can take to reduce the risk including avoiding rapid weight loss or gain. A sensible, high-fibre, low-fat diet is the best way to prevent gallstones.

— What are the symptoms of gallbladder problems?

Pain from gallbladder problems is usually located in the upper righthand side of the abdomen. It often comes and goes and can range from mild to very severe and frequent. Pain can also be experienced in the chest and back.

You can also experience nausea, vomiting and a fever as gallbladder problems will often result in an infection. Changes in your bowel habits, appearance of your urine and the development of jaundice can signal a gallbladder problem.

— Is it safe to have the gallbladder removed?

The gallbladder’s function is to store bile that is produced by the liver. If the gallbladder has to be removed, it is possible to function without it as the body stores any excess bile in the ducts that transport it from the liver to the small intestine. Eating smaller amounts, more frequently, and avoiding very fatty and high-fibre meals are advised after surgery.