Gallbladder and Biliary Diseases
What is Gallstones?
Gallstones are hardened deposits of cholesterol, bilirubin, or calcium that form in your gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath your liver that stores and concentrates bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver.
What is Biliary colic ?
Biliary colic refers to the sudden and severe pain caused by a gallstone temporarily blocking a bile duct. This pain often occurs in the upper right abdomen and can come in waves, lasting from minutes to hours.
What is Cholecystitis ?
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. It can occur when a gallstone blocks the cystic duct, preventing bile from leaving the gallbladder. This trapped bile can irritate and inflame the gallbladder. Symptoms include pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
What is Cholangitis ?
Cholangitis is inflammation of the bile ducts. It can be caused by gallstones blocking a bile duct, allowing bacteria to enter the bile ducts, or by other conditions. Symptoms include fever, chills, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and severe pain in the upper right abdomen.
What is Bile duct stones (Choledocholithiasis) ?
These are gallstones that have migrated from the gallbladder and lodged in the bile duct. This can cause complications like cholangitis and jaundice.
What is Bile duct injury ?
Bile duct injury can occur during surgery, such as gallbladder removal, and can damage the bile ducts. This can lead to bile leakage, infection, and scarring.
What is Bile duct stricture?
A bile duct stricture is a narrowing of the bile duct. It can be caused by scar tissue from inflammation, bile duct injury, or tumors. Symptoms can include jaundice, itching, and pain in the upper right abdomen.
What is Gallbladder polyps ?
Gallbladder polyps are growths on the inner lining of the gallbladder. Most are benign (noncancerous), but some can be precancerous.
What is Gallbladder cancer ?
Gallbladder cancer is a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Symptoms can include pain in the upper right abdomen, jaundice, and a lump in the abdomen.
What is Bile duct cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma) ?
Bile duct cancer is a cancer that starts in the cells lining the bile ducts. It’s also a relatively rare cancer. Symptoms can include jaundice, itching, pain in the upper right abdomen, and weight loss.
What is Recurrent Pyogenic Cholangitis ?
Recurrent pyogenic cholangitis (RPC) is a rare condition characterized by repeated episodes of bacterial infection in the bile ducts. It typically occurs in people with structural abnormalities of the bile ducts.
What is Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis ?
Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts. Symptoms can include fatigue, itching, jaundice, and pain in the upper right abdomen.
What is Primary Biliary Cirrhosis ?
Primary biliary cirrhosis is another autoimmune disease that damages the bile ducts in the liver. Symptoms can include fatigue, itching, and dry skin.
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any concerns about gallstones or biliary issues, consult a healthcare professional.
