What is cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)?

Cholecystitis, or inflammation of the gallbladder, is caused when something slows or blocks the flow of bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine, such as a gallstone. Blockage can also be caused by infections, serious illness or tumors.

Symptoms can include:

  • Abdominal pain in the upper right or center of your abdomen
  • Tenderness over your abdomen when it's touched
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fever

Pain may worsen after eating a heavy fatty meal.

How is cholecystitis diagnosed?

If you have symptoms, see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. For severe pain accompanied by jaundice or fever, seek immediate attention.

Your doctor may perform imaging tests that show your gallbladder, such as ultrasound or CT,  or order blood tests.

How is cholecystitis treated?

Depending on the treatment of your symptoms can vary and sometimes requires hospitalization to control inflammation.

Our surgeons are specially trained and board-certified and can perform a procedure to remove stones called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or ERCP, which can help clear blockage.

Since gallbladder inflammation often returns, most people choose to have the gallbladder removed. This surgery is called a cholecystectomy. Our team can perform minimally invasive surgery. This is surgery using small incisions, which means you can heal more quickly and have less scarring.

We can care for you if you have had multiple episodes of gallbladder inflammation.

Guthrie general surgeons treat common to complex conditions, whether you require emergency or routine surgery.