What is Acute Cholecystitis?

Description of the Disease

Acute cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by blockage of the biliary ducts by stones. This is a fairly common disease that requires immediate treatment.

Classification

Acute cholecystitis can be classified as simple or complicated, depending on whether complications such as infection, perforation of the gallbladder, or abscess formation occur.

Symptoms

Symptoms of acute cholecystitis may include pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, gallstone disease, and more.

Causes

The manifestation of acute cholecystitis is most often associated with the presence of gallstones that block the biliary ducts and cause inflammation of the gallbladder.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of acute cholecystitis includes ultrasound examination of the gallbladder, blood biochemistry tests, computed tomography, and other methods.

Treatment

Treatment of acute cholecystitis may include drug therapy, surgical intervention to remove the gallbladder, or lithotripsy.

Prevention

Prevention of acute cholecystitis includes proper nutrition, avoiding harmful habits, weight control, and timely treatment of gallstone disease.

Doctor

A doctor who deals with the diagnosis and treatment of acute cholecystitis is called a gastroenterologist or surgeon.