What are the symptoms of cholelithiasis cholecystitis?

Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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Cholecystitis due to gallstones is relatively common in clinical practice, with abdominal pain being a frequent reason for seeking medical attention. The pain usually manifests in the upper abdomen or right side, occurring in intermittent or continuous episodes. Typically, the nature of the pain is described as distension, colic, or dull pain. Patients may also experience radiating pain in the lower back, typically extending to the right side of the abdomen. Additionally, a small number of patients may experience nausea, vomiting, and even fever alongside abdominal pain. Fevers are usually mild to moderate, with body temperatures around 38°C (100.4°F). Nausea and vomiting occur as a digestive response following gallbladder contraction and subsequent inflammatory stimulation, with vomitus generally consisting of gastric contents and bile, but not blood. Therefore, if gallstone-induced cholecystitis is suspected, it is recommended for patients to undergo active endoscopic removal, typically via laparoscopic surgery. Of course, older patients might be treated conservatively with medications.

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Written by Li Ying
Gastroenterology
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How is cholelithiasis cholecystitis treated?

The treatment of cholecystitis with gallstones is divided into two main categories. The first category refers to the treatment of asymptomatic gallstone cholecystitis, as well as symptomatic treatment. For asymptomatic cases, treatment can include dietary management for chronic, symptom-free cholecystitis, including those with gallstones. In symptomatic cases, the treatment focuses on improving gallbladder function and symptomatic relief. Dietary treatment mainly suggests regular meals without overeating, promoting a regular eating pattern. The second method is to use medication to improve gallbladder function, and preventive gallbladder removal can also be considered. For symptomatic cases, the primary goal is to control symptoms and reduce inflammation, mainly through medication. If medical treatment is not effective, surgical options may be considered.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Is hot compress effective for cholecystitis?

The main symptoms of cholecystitis include pain in the upper right abdomen and fever. If this occurs, applying heat to the painful area may temporarily relieve the pain, but it is merely a symptomatic treatment and not a cure, as cholecystitis is caused by an infection and requires antibiotic treatment. Therefore, the fundamental treatment is to reduce inflammation. Merely using heat for relief does not address the root of the disease. Thus, it is essential to receive treatment in a hospital, where a doctor can prescribe medication, which is the most effective and fundamental method.

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Written by Xie Zheng Yuan
Gastroenterology
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Symptoms of acute cholecystitis

Acute cholecystitis is a relatively common digestive system disease in clinical practice, often triggered by the presence of gallstones, leading to acute inflammation of the gallbladder. When an acute cholecystitis attack occurs, it typically presents as pain in the upper right abdomen, accompanied by fever, and sometimes nausea and vomiting, similar to symptoms of gastric discomfort. Additionally, if a gallstone falls and lodges in the cystic duct, or even in the common bile duct, it can cause jaundice, as indicated by the yellowing of the skin and sclera. During a physical examination, it might be possible to detect tenderness in the upper right abdomen, or even rebound tenderness. Another possible positive sign could be Murphy's sign, which are all common manifestations of acute cholecystitis.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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How long does it take to recover after gallbladder inflammation surgery?

Patients who have undergone gallbladder surgery, which means after the gallbladder has been surgically removed, the recovery time largely depends on the method of surgery and the patient's condition. The surgical methods include open gallbladder removal and laparoscopic gallbladder removal. Clinically, laparoscopic gallbladder removal is preferred because it has the advantages of smaller incisions, less injury, and faster recovery; generally, complete recovery can be expected in about seven days. For open gallbladder removal, the recovery time is relatively longer, and it may take about half a month. Additionally, patients with malnutrition or hypoproteinemia may experience delayed wound healing, especially those with hypoproteinemia should be given attention, and consuming more high-protein foods can help promote recovery from the condition.

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Does acute cholecystitis require hospitalization?

Patients with acute cholecystitis often have a history of gallstones or gallbladder polyps. An acute attack of cholecystitis can be triggered by inattention to diet or other reasons, such as unclean food. If the patient's abdominal pain is not severe, they can be advised to rest in bed and take oral anti-inflammatory and bile-promoting medications. If the patient experiences significant upper abdominal pain, accompanied by fever and other discomforts, and the abdominal pain persists and radiates to the back, it is recommended that the patient be hospitalized. During the hospital stay, it is essential to ensure the patient eats and receives clinical infusions, as well as complete relevant examinations.