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Alternative names Return to top
Biliary disease; Gallbladder attack; Biliary colicDefinition Return to top
Gall bladder disease includes inflammation, infection, stones, or obstruction of the gallbladder.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
The gallbladder is a sac located under the liver. It stores and concentrates bile produced in the liver. Bile aids in the digestion of fats, and is released from the gallbladder into the upper small intestine (duodenum) in response to food (especially fats). Conditions which slow or obstruct the flow of bile out of the gallbladder result in gallbladder disease.
Types of gallbladder disease include:
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Examination of the abdomen by touch (palpation) may reveal tenderness.
Tests that detect the presence of gallstones or inflammation include:
This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:
Treatment Return to top
Treatment depends on the specific type of gallbladder disease.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
See the specific type of gallbladder disease.Complications Return to top
See the specific type of gallbladder disease.Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your provider if you develop symptoms of gallbladder disease.Prevention Return to top
In most cases, prevention is not possible. Reducing intake of fatty foods and weight reduction may reduce symptoms in people with gallbladder disease. Use of the medicine ursodiol may shrink gallstones, but it is used only in special cases.
Update Date: 5/3/2004 Updated by: Christian Stone, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |