Causes

In 90% of cases, acute cholecystitis is caused by gallstones in the gallbladder. Other causes include severe illness and (rarely) tumors of the gallbladder.

Acute cholecystitis occurs when bile becomes trapped in the gallbladder. The buildup of bile causes irritation and pressure in the gallbladder. This can lead to infection and a hole (perforation) in the organ.

Gallstones occur more often in women than men. Gallstones become more common with age in both sexes. Native Americans and Hispanics have a higher rate of gallstones than most other people.

Symptoms

The main symptom is pain in the upper right side or upper middle of the abdomen. The pain may:

• Be sharp, cramping, or dull
• Be steady
• Spread to the back or below the right shoulder blade

Other symptoms that may occur include:

• Clay-colored stools
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)

Exams and Tests

A physical exam will show that your abdomen is tender to the touch.

Your doctor may order the following blood tests:

• Amylase and lipase
• Bilirubin
• Complete blood count (CBC) -- may show a higher-than-normal white blood cell count
• Liver function tests

Imaging tests that can show gallstones or inflammation include:

• Abdominal ultrasound
• Abdominal CT scan
• Abdominal x-ray
• Oral cholecystogram
• Gallbladder radionuclide scan

Treatment

Seek immediate medical attention for severe abdominal pain.

In the emergency room, patients with acute cholecystitis are given fluids through a vein and antibiotics to fight infection.

Although cholecystitis may clear up on its own, surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is usually needed when gallstones are present. Surgery may be done as soon as possible; however, some patients will not need surgery right away.

Nonsurgical treatment includes:

• Antibiotics to fight infection
• Low-fat diet (when food can be tolerated)
• Pain medicines

You may need emergency surgery if you have gangrene (tissue death), perforation, pancreatitis, or inflammation of the common bile duct.

In very ill patients, a tube may be placed through the skin to drain the gallbladder until the patient gets better and can have surgery.

See also: Gallstones - discharge

Outlook (Prognosis)

Patients who have surgery to remove the gallbladder usually do very well.

Possible Complications

• Empyema (pus in the gallbladder)
• Gangrene (tissue death) of the gallbladder
• Injury to the bile ducts draining the liver (an occasional complication of cholecystectomy)
• Pancreatitis
• Peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdomen)

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if:

• Severe abdominal pain does not go away
• Symptoms of cholecystitis return

Prevention

Removing the gallbladder and gallstones will prevent further attacks.

Alternative Names

Cholecystitis - acute

References

Siddiqui T. Early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Am J Surg. 2008;195(1):40-47.

Chari RS, Shah SA. Biliary system. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2008:chap. 54.

Wang DQH, Afdhal NH. Gallstone disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 65.

Glasgow RE, Mulvihill SJ. Treatment of gallstone disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 66.

Updated: 4/11/2012

Reviewed by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and George F Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.