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Normal |
Abnormal |
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- This is when the gallbladder
becomes infected. It is associated with gallstones more than
90% of the time. When gallstones become impacted in the bile
ducts, infection occurs behind the
impaction.
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- Often starts after a large fatty
meal
- Sudden, steady pain in the middle
or right upper abdomen
- Vomiting
- Fever
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- Gallstones
- Ischemia (blood supply decrease to
gallbladder)
- Infections in persons with AIDS
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- Tenderness in right upper abdomen
- Gallbladder can be felt in some cases
- Yellow skin or eyes may occur
- Elevated white blood cell count
- Elevated total Bilirubin
level
- Elevated Alkaline phosphatase
- Amylase may be
moderately elevated
- X-Rays may who gall
stones
- HIDA scan (special X-Ray test for
obstructed gallstones)
- Ultrasound may show
gallstones or thickened gallbladder
wall
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- Bowel rest (no food or drink)
- Intravenous fluid/feeding
- Intravenous broad-spectrum
antibiotics
- Pain medications (Demerol usually
best)
- Surgical removal of the gallbladder
2-3 days after cholecystitis for most patients
- Immediate surgical gallbladder
removal if gangrene has
occurred
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- Untreated gangrene in the
gallbladder may occur. This is a severe infection with
destruction of tissue. Diabetics and the elderly are at
highest risk.
- Cholangitis --
infection that occurs in common bile duct outside the
gallbladder
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-
Seek
immediate emergency medical
treatment.
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