What is cholecystitis?

Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder wall and nearby abdominal lining. Acute cholecystitis is the sudden onset of inflammation of the gallbladder, resulting in severe, steady upper abdominal pain (biliary colic), which may occur repeatedly. Chronic Cholecystitis is long-standing inflammation of the gallbladder characterized by repeated attacks of pain (gallbladder attacks) over a prolonged period.

At least 95% of people with acute cholecystitis have gallstones. ladder, forming stones.

What is Gall stone?

A gall stone, is a lump of hard material usually range in size from a grain of sand to 3-4 cms. They are formed inside the gall bladder formed as a result of precipitation of cholesterol and bile salts from the bile. These small, hard concretions are more common in persons over 40, especially in women and the obese.

What are the symptoms of gall stones/cholecystitis?

Many people with gallstones have no symptoms. these stones are called "silent stones."

Gallstone symptoms may be similar to those of appendicitis, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, hiatal hernia, pancreatitis, and hepatitis. So, accurate diagnosis is important.

Symptoms usually follow after fatty meals—

• Abdominal bloating

• Intolerance of fatty food

• Pain in the abdomen

• Nausea and vomiting

• Indigestion and belching

What investigations are done to diagnose?

Thorough history and abdominal examination may suggest cholecystitis.

Ultrasonography of abdomen is most sensitive and specific test to diagnose.

Certain blood tests are advised to look for signs of infection, jaundice, or pancreatitis.

Sometimes CT scan or ERCP (endoscopic retro cholangio pancreatography) may be required.

What is the treatment for cholecystitis/Gall stones?

For acute cholecystitis, initial treatment includes bowel rest, intravenous hydration, intravenous antibiotics and pain management. Whether it is acute or chronic cholecystitis, the physician then takes a step to identify the cause.

Removal of gall bladder is most common way of treatment of symptomatic stones. Though open surgery may be advised sometimes most preferred technique now a day is laparoscopic cholecystectomy key-hole surgery or minimally invasive surgery.