Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, a small organ that stores bile to help digest fats. It usually happens when a gallstone blocks the tube (cystic duct) that bile flows through, causing pain and swelling. This condition mainly affects the digestive system and can cause severe pain in the upper right abdomen, often after eating fatty foods. Other symptoms include fever, nausea, and vomiting. If untreated, it can lead to serious complications like infection or rupture of the gallbladder.

Cholecystitis is the acute or chronic inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct by gallstones (calculous cholecystitis). This obstruction leads to bile stasis, increased intraluminal pressure, and secondary inflammation. The condition is characterized by right upper quadrant abdominal pain, fever, and leukocytosis. Less commonly, acalculous cholecystitis occurs without stones, often in critically ill patients. The inflammation can progress to gangrene or perforation, posing significant morbidity. Diagnosis and management are critical to prevent complications such as empyema or gallbladder rupture.