sign in sign up
<<
Home , Cholecystitis, Gallbladder disease

Cholecystitis

Information for patients

This leaflet can be made available in other formats including large print, CD and Braille and in languages other than English, upon request.

This leaflet tells you about .

What is cholecystitis?

Cholecystitis is the medical term for (swelling and redness) of the . The gallbladder is a small sac, 3 - 4 inches, (7.5 - 10 cm) long. It lies under your ribs at the front on your right hand side, below your liver and above your small bowel. The gallbladder is connected to the liver by the duct (small tube). See diagram below.

What does the gallbladder do?

The gallbladder stores bile (a yellow / green fluid) which is produced by the liver. Bile helps digest the food you eat, especially fatty food. After eating a meal, your gallbladder contracts (squeezes) and pushes bile into your (see diagram) and then into your (small bowel) to help the digestion of your food. It is not a vital organ and it can be surgically removed if it causes problems.

Surg/107.4 (2017) Page 1 of 6 For Review Spring 2020

Cholecystitis

What causes cholecystitis?

Inflammation of the gallbladder is often caused when irritate the gallbladder and sometimes cause an infection. Gallstones are formed in the gallbladder or bile duct and develop when bile forms crystals. Over time these crystals become hardened and eventually grow into stones but they do not always cause problems.

However, gallstones can cause:

. If the stones move from your gallbladder and block your bile duct jaundice can occur. If this happens you may notice your skin develops a yellowish colour, you may have pale stools (poo) and dark urine (wee).

. This is an inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas lies behind your stomach and produces digestive enzymes (your body’s natural chemicals) which pass into the upper part of your small bowel through a tube called the pancreatic duct. Enzymes help to digest the fat in your food.

A can block the pancreatic duct, trapping digestive enzymes in the pancreas and causing pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can be a life threatening illness if left untreated.

 cancer of the gallbladder. This is a rare cancer. can be similar to those of gallstones. If cancer of the gallbladder is suspected your consultant will discuss this with you.

Why do some people develop gallstones and others do not?

It is not known why some people develop and others do not. There are some reasons which can make people more likely to develop gallstones and these include:

 heredity. Gallstones tend to run in families.

 gender. Women are twice as likely as men to have gallstones.

. Pregnancy causes oestrogen (female hormone) levels to rise which can increase the risk of gallstones developing.

 body weight. Being overweight increases the amount of cholesterol in your bile. This extra cholesterol may form into crystals and eventually into gallstones.

 lifestyle. What you eat and drink can make it more likely for gallstones to develop, for example, high fat, high sugar food and drinks or low calorie diets. Rapid can also make you more at risk.

Surg/107.4 (2017) Page 2 of 6 For Review Spring 2020

Cholecystitis

 age. The chance of developing gallstones increases with age.

 previous bowel surgery. Some operations to the bowel can increase the risk of developing gallstones.

How will I know if I have gallstones?

Most people with gallstones do not know they have them as they do not have any problems. If gallstones start to cause problems you may notice signs and symptoms such as:

 chronic . This includes a feeling of and , especially after a fatty meal.

(feeling sick) and (being sick).

(gallbladder pain). Biliary colic can be caused by muscular spasm when your gallbladder tries to expel (get rid of) the stones. This usually starts in the upper right part of your abdomen (tummy). The pain may shift to your right shoulder and into the centre of your back. If a gallstone becomes lodged (stuck) in your , bile may back up and cause your gallbladder to become infected, causing you to feel feverish.

 jaundice. If the stones move from your gallbladder and block your bile duct jaundice can occur. If this happens you may notice your skin develops a yellowish colour, you may have pale stools and dark urine.

What tests will I need?

To help find the cause of your symptoms your doctor or nurse practitioner will ask you about your medical history, examine you, and take a sample of your blood for testing in the laboratory.

He or she may also request you have the following tests:

 abdominal x-ray. This is an x-ray of your abdomen.

 ultrasound scan. This is a painless examination using sound waves to make pictures of the inside of your body.

 Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). This is a painless examination which needs you to lie still on an x-ray couch whilst a scanning machine passes over your body. It then produces detailed pictures of the inside of your body.

Surg/107.4 (2017) Page 3 of 6 For Review Spring 2020

Cholecystitis

What treatments are available for cholecystitis?

There is no one single treatment best suited for all patients. Your doctor will discuss all treatment choices with you and advise what he or she feels is best for you.

These can include:

. If your doctor advises cholecystectomy (surgical removal of your gallbladder). This can be performed in 2 different ways:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (keyhole surgery)

This means you will have a number of small incisions (cuts) in your abdomen. Your gallstones and gallbladder are removed by your surgeon. You will usually be discharged the same day or if needed, an overnight stay in hospital.

You may need to take about 2 - 3 weeks off work, depending on your job.

Open cholecystectomy

This means you will have an incision (about 4 inches or 10 centimetres) in your upper abdomen. Your gallstones and gallbladder are removed by your surgeon. You will usually be discharged within 1 – 2 days.

You may need to take about 4 - 6 weeks off work, depending on your job.

 Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

An ERCP is an examination of your pancreatic and bile ducts through an endoscope (viewing instrument) and x-ray. A special dye is injected down the endoscope to help your pancreatic and bile ducts show up on x-ray.

If the tests show gallstones, or any narrowing of your pancreatic or bile ducts, these can usually be treated during your ERCP examination.

 no treatment. You and your doctor may decide that no treatment is needed at this time. If you feel your symptoms are getting worse you should contact your GP for advice.

 medical treatment. If your general health is poor and you are unable to undergo an operation, medication can treat some gallstones by dissolving them. These drugs work slowly over the course of several months and are only useful if your symptoms are not severe. Your doctor will advice if this treatment could help you.

Surg/107.4 (2017) Page 4 of 6 For Review Spring 2020

Cholecystitis

If you need treatment your doctor will discuss this with you during your outpatient appointment. He or she will be able to answer any questions or concerns you may have. If you are going to have surgery or an ERCP you will be given a more detailed information leaflet.

Further information is available from:

NHS Choices telephone: 111 (when it is less urgent than 999) calls to this number are free from landlines and mobile phones or via the website at www.nhs.uk

Surg/107.4 (2017) Page 5 of 6 For Review Spring 2020

Cholecystitis

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Quality Assurance Team, University Hospital of North Tees or email: [email protected]

Comments, Concerns, Compliments or Complaints

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide.

We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team is here to help.

Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

telephone: 01642 624719 Monday – Friday, 9.00 am – 4.00 pm Messages can be left on the answering machine and will be picked up throughout the day.

freephone: 0800 092 0084 Mobile: (can use text): 0779 506 1883 Email: [email protected]

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

telephone: 01642 617617 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

The Patient Experience Team is available to discuss your concerns in person Monday – Friday, 1.30 pm – 4.30 pm. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees.

Data Protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed a Data Protection Policy in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1988 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect this policy and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information please contact the Information Governance Team.

telephone: 01642 833551 or email: [email protected]

University Hospital of North Tees, Hardwick, Stockton-on-Tees. TS19 8PE University Hospital of Hartlepool, Holdforth Road, Hartlepool. TS24 9AH

Telephone: 01642 617617 Fax: 01642 624089

Surg/107.4 (2017) Page 6 of 6 For Review Spring 2020