GALLBLADDER DISEASE

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ located under your liver—it stores bile, a fluid produced by the liver to aid in fat digestion. The gallbladder releases bile through the common bile duct as the stomach and intestines digest meals. This duct links the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS

The symptoms vary on the type and the severity of the conditions; however, the most common symptoms include:

Jaundice: this is a condition in which the skin and whites of the eye turn yellow in colour
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Changes in stool colour: if the flow of bile is blocked, the stools become pale or clay-coloured
Changes in urine: the urine can become darker if the bile is not metabolised and then evacuated

If you are experiencing these symptoms, getting medical attention is critical because the same symptoms can indicate other medical conditions. A correct diagnosis is necessary for the most effective therapy.

Diagnosis and procedure

The diagnosis of gallbladder disease involves using different medical exams, including understanding the family history, a physical examination, and other specific tests, including endoscopic procedures.

Initially, the specialised doctor will ask about your family history and if there have been any cases of gallbladder disease in your family. A physical exam then follows this to assess the pain and if there is any tenderness in the abdomen. Subsequently, blood tests may be required to analyse the functions of the liver and the levels of amylase and lipase, which can signal that there are abnormalities that could be caused by gallbladder disease.

Imaging studies may be required, and these include:

Ultrasound which is used for the presence of gallstones, inflammation or to see if there is a thickening of the gallbladder wall
CT scan which can provide more detailed images
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) which is a specialised MRI that focuses on the bile ducts
Hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan assesses the function of the gallbladder by injecting a radioactive tracer into the body, where the movement will be monitored as it goes through the gallbladder and bile ducts

Endoscopic procedures can also confirm a diagnosis and provide an accurate treatment. These can be:

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) which combines endoscopy with an X-ray to diagnose gallbladder and bile duct problems
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) which combines an endoscopy with an ultrasound to create a detailed image of the gallbladder and the surrounding structures

causes

Gallbladder disease is a broad term that refers to a variety of disorders that affect this organ and can take several forms, such as:

Biliary dyskinesia: is characterised by poor gallbladder function, which results in symptoms comparable to gallstones but without the presence of actual stones.

Gallbladder polyps: Polyps are abnormal gallbladder growths that may or may not be malignant. Typically, they are identified during imaging studies for unrelated illnesses.
Cholecystitis: Gallbladder inflammation caused by blockage of the cystic duct or poor gallbladder emptying. This poor emptying is frequently caused by stones or biliary sludge.
Gallstones: The gallbladder stores and releases bile, a fluid produced by your liver. Bile also transports toxins such as cholesterol and bilirubin, which your body produces as red blood cells are broken down. These substances can combine to generate gallstones. Gallstones can be as little as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. You may be unaware that you have them until they clog a bile duct, producing severe discomfort that requires immediate treatment.
Gallbladder cancer: however uncommon, is a malignant tumour that begins in the lining of the gallbladder.

complications

If the disease is left untreated, it can lead to a series of complications, some of which can also be life-threatening, and these include:

Gangrene of the gallbladder
Abscess
Perforation
Cholangitis
Pancreatitis
Empyema

prevention

Some changes can be made to your lifestyle that coul reduce the risk of gallbladder disease:

Maintain a healthy weight
No alcohol
Physical activity
Staying hydrating

Gallbladder disease is a common condition that can cause discomfort and can lead to severe problems if the symptoms are ignored, so it is necessary to refer to a specialised doctor who will correctly conduct tests to confirm the diagnosis.

To book a consultation or for more information, call +971 50 494 6377 to schedule an appointment with our gastroenterologist, Dr Giovanni Leonetti.

Prof. Dr. Giovanni Leonetti is a licensed general surgeon who obtained his medical degree at the University of Rome “La Sapienza”, where he also received his PhD in Advanced Technologies in Surgery. He teaches Gastroenterology at Unicamillus Health University of Rome. During his career, he has refined the most modern and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy techniques for treating diseases affecting the digestive system.