Gallbladder inflammation
How is acute cholecystitis treated?
Treating Acute Cholecystitis
If the patient is experiencing severe, unexplained abdominal pain, they must refer to a medical professional as soon as possible.
At times, patients are treated without surgery. In this case, the patient is hospitalized and asked to fast, in order to allow the gallbladder to rest.
Intravenous fluids alongside antibiotics and sedatives are prescribed in order to respectively prevent dehydration, fight infection and alleviate pain.
Otherwise, the patient is treated surgically, by removing the gallbladder.
The cholecystectomy may be done laparoscopically or through open surgery. Upon removal of the gallbladder, the bile flow is redirected to the duodenum (small intestine).
Introduction
Acute cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. It usually occurs when a gallstone blocks the cystic duct. Gallstones are small stones, usually made of cholesterol, that form in the gallbladder.
What are the symptoms of acute cholecystitis?
Some main symptoms of acute cholecystitis are: abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, fever, pain - usually after meals, abdominal bloating, etc. Pain often begins after consumption of a very fatty meal, or simply, a very large meal.
How is acute cholecystitis diagnosed?
Acute cholecystitis is usually diagnosed by: abdominal ultra sound, CT-scans of the gallbladder, ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography).
How is acute cholecystitis prevented?
The patient is advised to consume a low-fat, light diet, and consume smaller portions of food, or rather to consume small portions of food often throughout the day.
How is acute cholecystitis treated?
If the patient is experiencing severe, unexplained abdominal pain, they must refer to a medical professional as soon as possible. At times, patients are treated without surgery.
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