Description A blockage of bile ...
Description
A blockage of bile flow can cause bacterial infection and inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) or the ducts (cholangitis). The bile ducts carry bile from the liver to the gall bladder and then to the small intestine. The most common cause of bile blockage is gallstones. Another cause of cholecystitis is a non-functioning gallbladder. Cholecystitis from a non-functioning gallbladder is called acalculous cholecystitis. This disease can be very serious and lead to death if left untreated.
Symptoms
Abdominal pain (upper right abdomen), vomiting, fever, yellowing skin.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. An ultrasound will be done to identify the gallstones and establish the diagnosis. A CT scan and MRI can also be used. If no gallstones are seen a HIDA scan can detect a non-functioning gallbladder that can also cause cholecystitis.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Lipase, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: HIDA scan
Specialists:
General Surgery
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. An ultrasound will be done to identify the gallstones and establish the diagnosis. A CT scan and MRI can also be used. If no gallstones are seen a HIDA scan can detect a non-functioning gallbladder that can also cause cholecystitis.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Lipase, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: HIDA scan
Specialists:
General Surgery
Treatment
Treatment may include: intravenous antibiotics and surgical removal of gallbladder (cholecystectomy).