Types of Gallbladder Disease

There are several types of gallbladder diseases, including:

Gallstones

Gallstones are hard particles that develop in the gallbladder. They occur when substances in bile (such as cholesterol and bilirubin) crystallise. Gallstones can range in size and may not always cause symptoms. However, if a stone blocks a bile duct, it can cause severe pain, jaundice, and infection.

Cholecystitis

This condition is characterised by gallbladder inflammation, usually due to gallstones blocking the tube leading out of the gallbladder. Symptoms often include severe pain in the upper right abdomen, fever, nausea, and vomiting. If untreated, it can lead to serious complications, such as a gallbladder rupture.

Choledocholithiasis

This condition occurs when gallstones move into or form in the common bile duct, which is the tube that carries bile from the gallbladder and liver to the small intestine. This can lead to jaundice, infection, and severe abdominal pain.

Biliary Dyskinesia

This condition is characterised by the gallbladder not emptying properly. Symptoms can mimic gallstones, including abdominal pain, nausea, and bloating. This condition often leads to the removal of the gallbladder.

Gallbladder Polyps

Polyps are growths that protrude from the gallbladder lining. Most gallbladder polyps are harmless and don't cause symptoms. However, larger ones or those that grow rapidly might require surgery due to the risk of gallbladder cancer.

Gallbladder Cancer

This rare type of cancer is difficult to diagnose because it often causes no specific early symptoms. Gallbladder cancer is often discovered at a late stage when the cancer has spread to other areas like the liver. Risk factors for gallbladder cancer include a history of gallstones and other gallbladder conditions.

What are the Symptoms of Gallbladder Conditions?

Symptoms of gallbladder conditions can vary depending on the specific ailment. However, some common symptoms that might be experienced with gallbladder diseases include:

• Pain: This is usually located in the upper right or centre abdomen, often following a meal, especially a fatty one. The pain might also be felt in the right shoulder or back. It can vary from mild to severe and lasts minutes to hours.
• Indigestion: Symptoms of indigestion can include bloating, gas, heartburn, and feeling full quickly when eating.
• Nausea and vomiting are common, especially if the gallbladder is inflamed.
• Fever or chills: An elevated temperature could indicate an infection, usually in the case of acute cholecystitis.
• Jaundice: This is a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes and can occur if a gallstone passes out of the gallbladder and blocks the bile duct.
• Changes in bowel movement and urine: Stools may become lighter-coloured, and urine may become darker if the bile flow is blocked.
• Chronic diarrhoea: Having more than four bowel movements daily for at least three months may indicate chronic gallbladder disease.

These symptoms can be episodic or chronic, and the intensity can vary from person to person. In some cases, gallstones may cause no symptoms, a condition called "silent gallstones."

Suppose you experience severe abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, high fever with chills, or any other intense symptoms. In that case, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial, as these can be signs of severe complications.

How are Gallbladder Conditions Diagnosed?

For the diagnosis of gallbladder conditions, doctors use several tests and procedures:

• Medical history and physical exam: The doctor will ask about your health habits, past illnesses, and treatments. They will also examine your body to check general signs of health and for any unusual lumps or anything else.
• Blood tests can reveal evidence of bile duct blockage, liver dysfunction, or infection.
• Imaging tests: These might include an ultrasound, computerised tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or a specialised procedure called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). These tests create pictures of the gallbladder and surrounding structures, often revealing gallstones or inflammation.
• HIDA scan (hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan): This test tracks the production and flow of bile from your liver to your small intestine and shows blockage.
• Biopsy: In cases where gallbladder cancer is suspected, a biopsy may be conducted where a small tissue sample is removed and examined under a microscope.
• Laparoscopy: A small camera is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen to visualise the gallbladder and surrounding structures.

These tests help determine the type and stage of the disease, guiding appropriate treatment plans. Treatment options can range from lifestyle changes and medications to surgery, depending on the specific condition and its severity. Always consult with a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

What if Gallbladder Conditions are Untreated?

If gallbladder conditions are left untreated, they can lead to serious complications, such as:

• Infection or Abscess: If a gallstone blocks the ducts, bacteria may accumulate in the gallbladder, leading to a severe infection or an abscess.
• Gallbladder Inflammation (Cholecystitis): Untreated gallstones can cause the gallbladder to become inflamed, leading to severe pain, fever, and jaundice.
• Bile Duct Infection (Cholangitis): If gallstones block the bile ducts, bile can back up into the liver, causing a serious infection.
• Pancreatitis: Gallstones can block the pancreatic duct, leading to inflammation of the pancreas, a serious condition that requires immediate treatment.
• Gallbladder Cancer: Although rare, gallstones increase the risk of gallbladder cancer.

It’s important to seek medical advice if you're experiencing symptoms that could be related to a gallbladder condition. The gallbladder is not a vital organ, and its removal will not significantly affect your ability to live a normal, healthy life. After removing the gallbladder, bile flows directly from the liver into the small intestine rather than stored in the gallbladder.