The gallbladder is located on the right side of the abdomen, just beneath the liver. This organ holds bile, a digestive fluid that is released to the small intestine to aid in digestion. Hardened deposits of bile, called gallstones, can form in the gallbladder. According to UptoDate Patient Preview, the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, or NHANES lll, estimated that 6.3 million men and 14.2 million women between the ages of 20 to 74 in the United States have gallbladder disease.
Inflammation of the Gallbladder
The most common causes for the formation of gallstones are too much fat in the diet, too much bilirubin in the bile, or a gallbladder that doesn't empty correctly.
The gallbladder may become inflamed if a gallstone lodges in the neck of the gallbladder. Inflammation can cause severe pain in the right upper abdomen and fever. According to University of Southern California Department of Surgery, as soon as the individual experiences these symptoms, he should seek medical help to avoid further complications. This condition can be treated with antibiotics or by surgical drainage.
Blockage of the Common Bile Ducts
The flow of bile may be obstructed by gallstones in the ducts that lead from the liver to the gallbladder and from the gallbladder to the small intestine. When a blockage occurs, jaundice and bile duct infection may arise. According to MedlinePlus, jaundice arises due to the buildup of bilirubin in the blood, part of the waste product that is found in bile. Signs of jaundice dark colored urine and pale, clay-colored stools. The skin also turns a pale yellow color, and the white part of the eyes turns a yellow pigment color.
Blockage of Pancreatic Ducts
If a gallstone causes blockage in the pancreatic duct, it can lead to inflammation of the pancreas. This causes an acute, severe and constant abdominal pain and requires hospitalization for further treatment.
Gallbladder Cancer
According to University of Southern California Department of Surgery, gallbladder cancer is a rare complication of gallstones. Although people with gallstones have a higher risk of gallbladder cancer, the chance is still very small.
