PROCEDURES Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gallbladder. Your gallbladder is a small organ on the right side of your abdomen, which lies beneath your liver. The gallbladder holds bile that gets released into your small intestine during digestion.

In most cases, gallstones blocking the tube leading out of your gallbladder cause cholecystitis. This block results in a bile buildup that can cause inflammation. Other causes of cholecystitis include bile duct problems, tumours, severe illnesses and certain infections.

If left untreated, cholecystitis can lead to serious, sometimes life-threatening complications, such as a gallbladder rupture. Therefore, treatment for cholecystitis often involves gallbladder removal.

Cholecystitis Symptoms

• Severe pain in your upper right or centre abdomen
• Pain that spreads to your right shoulder or back
• Tenderness over your abdomen when it's touched
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever

Cholecystitis signs and symptoms often occur after a meal, particularly a large or fatty one.