Gallbladder Disorders

The Gallbladder is situated beneath the right lobe of the liver, and along with the hepatic, cystic, and
common bile ducts, composes of the biliary system. Bile is transported from the liver to the gallbladder
through the hepatic duct system where it is stored until use.

Common gallbladder disorders include, cholelithiasis, choledocholithiasis, cholecystitis.

 Gallstones or cholelithiasis – are most likely to form in people when the person is practicing or
has high intake on high-fat foods. These people would often feel a mild, aching pain in the mid-
epigastrium that may increase in intensity during a colic attack. Nausea, vomiting, tachycardia,
and diaphoresis also may be present.
 Cholecystitis – occurs when gallstones block the cystic duct or as the result of stasis, bacterial
infection, or ischemia of the gallbladder. This inflammation is associated with pain, tenderness,
and fever. Fat intolerance may manifest as regurgitation, flatulence, belching, epigastric
heaviness, indigestion, heartburn, chronic upper abdominal pain, and nausea. Jaundice and
steatorrhea may also be present.
 Choledocholithiasis – is the presence of at least one gallstone in the common bile duct.

Because cholelithiasis and cholecystitis usually produce rather painful symptoms, the main objective of
nutritional care is to decrease the patient’s discomfort. Chronic cholecystitis with inflammation is usually
treated with a fat-restricted diet. Individual food intolerances vary widely, but many complain of foods
that cause flatulence and bloating.

Recommended therapy for symptomatic cholelithiasis and cholecystitis is surgical removal of the
gallbladder (cholecystectomy).

Sources:

Grodner, M., Roth, S. L., & Walkingshaw, B. C. (2011). Nutritional foundations and

clinical applications: A nursing approach (5th ed.). Mosby.