BSN208 – Group29

CHRONIC
CHOLECYSTITIS
Chronic cholecystitis
repeated attacks of acute cholecystitis
 long-standing swelling and irritation of
the gallbladder.
 thickening of the gallbladder walls.
Chronic cholecystitis
 The gallbladder begins to shrink and
eventually loses the ability to perform its
function, which is:
 concentrating
 storing
 and releasing bile.
Symptoms
 Attacks of upper abdominal pain
 nausea 
 vomiting
Exams and Tests
 Tests that reveal gallstones or
inflammation in the gallbladder:
 Abdominal CT scan
 Abdominal ultrasound
 Gallbladder scan (HIDA scan)
 Oral cholecystogram
Treatment
Cholecystectomy
 Open procedure

- requires a large cut in the upper-right part

of the abdomen.
 Laparoscopic procedure

- uses instruments and a small camera

inserted through a cluster of a few small
cuts.
Treatment
 In patients who are poor candidates for
surgery because of other diseases or
conditions, the gallstones may be
dissolved with medication taken by
mouth.
Possible Complications
 Cancer of the gallbladder (rarely)
 Jaundice
 Pancreatitis
 Worsening of the condition
Prevention
 The condition is not always preventable.
 Eating less fatty foods may relieve
symptoms in people with acute
cholecystitis who have not had their
gallbladder removed.
 However, the benefit of a low-fat diet
has not been proven.