Definition

Chronic cholecystitis is long-standing swelling and irritation of the gallbladder.

Alternative Names

Cholecystitis - chronic

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Chronic cholecystitis is caused by repeated mild attacks of acute cholecystitis. This leads to thickening of the walls of the gallbladder. The gallbladder begins to shrink and eventually loses the ability to perform its function: concentrating and storing bile. Eating fatty foods may aggravate the symptoms of cholecystitis, because bile is needed to digest such foods.

The disease occurs more often in women than in men, and the incidence increases after the age of 40. Risk factors include the presence of gallstones and a history of acute cholecystitis.

Symptoms

• Chronic indigestion
• Vague abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Belching

Signs and tests

Tests that reveal inflammation or gallstones in the gallbladder:

• Abdominal CT scan
• Oral cholecystogram
• Abdominal ultrasound
• HIDA scan (gallbladder scan)

Treatment

Surgery is the usual treatment. Cholecystectomy (surgical removal of the gallbladder) can be performed as an open or laparoscopic procedure. The open procedure requires a large incision (cut), while laparoscopic surgery requires a cluster of small incisions for the insertion of instruments, including a small camera.

For patients who are poor candidates for surgery because of other diseases or conditions, methods to dissolve gallstones may be of use. The symptoms of chronic indigestion can be managed by low-fat diet and weight reduction. Acid-suppressing and anticholinergic medications may also be helpful, as may antacids.

Support Groups

Expectations (prognosis)

Cholecystectomy is a common procedure with low risk. Patients who do not have surgery may be bothered by indigestion, but symptoms can be managed with a low-fat diet, weight loss, and medications.

Some patients continue to experience chronic indigestion after cholecystectomy, but this is likely caused by another condition.

Complications

Gallstones with chronic inflammation of the gallbladder can result in a worsening of the condition, pancreatitis, or (rarely) cancer of the gallbladder.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop any symptoms of cholecystitis.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have been diagnosed with chronic cholecystitis and your symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.

Prevention

The condition is not always preventable. People who have had an attack of acute cholecystitis but have not had their gallbladder removed may feel better when eating less fatty foods.

Images

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process, and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch.)

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. ©1997-2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.