Acute Cholecystitis
Acute cholecystitis occurs suddenly with intense and constant pain over the right upper abdomen. It is commonly presented with fever too.
It occurs when the gallstone jams at the gallbladder neck, preventing the bile juice in the gallbladder from flowing out into the bile duct. When the bile juice is trapped in the gallbladder, infection can occur, with pus/ abscess forming within the gallbladder.
Patients with acute cholecystitis need early medical attention. Delay in treatment can lead to more severe infections such as sepsis, gangrenous cholecystitis, acute perforated cholecystitis, and liver abscess.
Investigation:
A patient who is suspected of having acute cholecystitis requires a blood test to show infection/inflammation and a further CT scan to confirm the findings.
Treatment:
Once an accurate diagnosis is obtained, the appropriate treatment will be administered:
- Fasting, to rest the gall bladder, and to prepare you for surgery.
- IV fluids to help you stay hydrated
- Pain medication
- Antibiotics to treat the infection
- Surgical removal of the gallbladder (it is done by keyhole method, Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy)
- Drainage of the gallbladder to treat and prevent the spread of infection when surgical removal of the gallbladder is not suitable.
Preventive measures:
It may not be easy to prevent acute cholecystitis. However, when you are suspected of having acute cholecystitis, you are advised to seek medical attention early to prevent it from progressing into a more severe complication.
