Cholecystitis

Question 1

What is Cholecystitis? (Pathophis)

Answer 1

Inflammation of the gallbladder mostly caused by gallstones blocking the tubes leading out your gall bladder. This causes build up causing inflammation. Other causes include bile duct issues, tumours and infection. If untreated will rupture.

Question 2

Signs and Symptoms of Cholecystits

Answer 2

• Severe/sharp right upper quadrant abdominal pain
• Can radiate into shoulders shoulders/back
• Fever, nausea, vomiting and abdominal bloating
• Pain is worse when breathing deeply

Question 3

Clinical Findings for Cholecystitis

Answer 3

• Pyrexia
• Upper right quadrant tenderness
• Positive Murphy’s test
• History of fat intolerance

Question 4

Causes of Cholecytitis

Answer 4

• Infections
• Tumours of the pancreas and livers
• Gallstones

Question 5

Risk Factors

Answer 5

• Female (more so post birth, contraceptive pill, high dose oestrogen therapy)
• Obesity
• Over 40
• Chron’s/IBS/Pre-existing conditions that affect the slowing of bile
• Poor diet with high fat content (increases risk of developing gall stones)

Question 6

Treatment of Cholecystitis

Answer 6

• Pain Management
• Anti-emetics
• Treat underlying infection
• Removal surgery if indicated

Question 7

List of Differentials Cholecystitis

Answer 7

• Biliary Colic
• Pancreatitis
• Bowel obstruction
• Renal Colic