Gallbladder Diseases

Gallbladder disease is a common medical issue that affects many individuals, often resulting in severe discomfort and potential health risks. The gallbladder plays a vital role in digestion by storing bile produced by the liver, which is essential for fat breakdown. When gallstones form or inflammation occurs, they can obstruct bile flow, leading to symptoms such as intense abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. The triggering event is usually a gallstone getting stuck in the outlet of the gallbladder which causes a chemical change in the bile and an inflammatory response. This inflammation may subsequently develop a secondary bacterial infection. Symptoms of cholecystitis are similar to biliary colic but tend not to improve with time. These patients may get initially get better with antibiotics, but ultimately will need surgery to remove their inflamed gallbladder.

It is an inflammatory disease of the gallbladder that shows symptoms similar to gallstones, but when examined provides no evidence of gallstones. It results from reduced blood supply or the inability of the gallbladder to empty bile.

Destruction of the tissue in the gallbladder due to inadequate blood supply can lead to gangrenous gallbladder. Inflammation of the gallbladder caused by blockage of bile due to gallstones can also lead to gangrenous gallbladder, often associated with diabetes.

It is the growth of tissue that protrudes from the lining of the gallbladder. These polyps, when larger than 10 mm in diameter, are more likely to cause cancer if untreated.

Tumours of the Gallbladder

Benign or malignant tumours may be found in the gallbladder.

• Benign tumours include:

  • Fibromas

  • Lipomas

  • Haemangiomas

• Common malignant tumours include:

  • Adenocarcinoma

  • Cholangiocarcinoma

Gallstones are small stones made up of cholesterol or bilirubin (pigment of the bile) that can form in the gallbladder.

People who have gallstones may experience:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Pain in the abdomen, back, or just below the right arm

Cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder. It may be performed:

• Laparoscopically

• Robotic Cholecystectomy
  Newer technique which may allow faster recover, Prof. Apostolou will discuss with you if appropriate

An intraoperative cholangiogram is often performed to reveal stones in the biliary system.