What Are Gallbladder Disorders?

The gallbladder is a small organ beneath the liver that stores and releases bile to aid digestion. When its function is disrupted, it can lead to conditions causing pain, inflammation, and digestive issues.

At Central Gastro, we specialize in diagnosing and managing a wide range of gallbladder disorders, offering personalized care to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

Common Gallbladder Disorders

1. Gallstones (Cholelithiasis)

• Hard deposits that form in the gallbladder, often made of cholesterol or bilirubin.
• Can cause pain, nausea, or complications like inflammation or infection.

2. Acute or Chronic Cholecystitis

• Inflammation of the gallbladder, typically caused by gallstones blocking the bile duct.
• Acute cases require immediate attention to prevent complications.

3. Gallbladder Polyps

• Growths in the gallbladder lining, usually benign but occasionally requiring removal if large or symptomatic.

4. Biliary Dyskinesia

• Dysfunction of the gallbladder’s ability to release bile, causing pain and digestion problems.

5. Choledocholithiasis

• Gallstones blocking the bile ducts, leading to bile backup and possible infections.

6. Gallbladder Cancer

• Rare but serious condition requiring early diagnosis and specialized care.

Symptoms of Gallbladder Disorders

Common symptoms of gallbladder disorders include:

• Severe pain in the upper right abdomen, often radiating to the shoulder or back.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Bloating or indigestion.
• Fever or chills (indicating infection).
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes, in bile duct obstruction).
• Dark urine or pale stools.

If you experience these symptoms, especially after eating fatty meals, seek medical evaluation promptly.

Diagnosis of Gallbladder Disorders

At Central Gastro, we use advanced diagnostic tools to accurately identify gallbladder issues:

• Ultrasound: First-line imaging to detect gallstones, inflammation, or abnormalities.
• HIDA Scan (Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid Scan): Evaluates gallbladder function and bile flow.
• CT or MRI: For detailed imaging of the gallbladder and bile ducts.
• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): To identify small stones or polyps not visible on standard imaging.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): Combines imaging and treatment for bile duct stones or blockages.

Treatment Options for Gallbladder Disorders

1. Lifestyle and Dietary Modifications

• Low-fat diet to reduce symptoms and prevent gallstone formation.
• Regular meal schedules to promote bile flow.

2. Medications
3. Minimally Invasive Procedures

• Endoscopic Stone Removal (ERCP): For stones in the bile ducts, combined with stent placement if necessary.

4. Surgery (Cholecystectomy)

• Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A minimally invasive procedure to remove the gallbladder, commonly performed for gallstones or chronic cholecystitis.
• Open Cholecystectomy: For complicated cases 

5. Monitoring and Follow-Up

• Regular imaging and evaluations for gallbladder polyps or mild symptoms.
• Long-term management plans to prevent recurrence of symptoms.

When to Seek Treatment for Gallbladder Disorders

If you experience persistent abdominal pain, nausea, jaundice, or other symptoms, contact us for an evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications like infection or bile duct blockage.