Gall Bladder (Gallbladder, the Cholecyst) and Diseases

There are many ways for the Gall Bladder to misfunction. Not seldom is this caused by some kind of blockage like for instance when gallstones are blocking the passage. Below are listed several reasons why the Gall Bladder may cause a disease.

Cholestasis

Cholestasis is the blockage of the supply of bile (gall fluid). The bile is blocked from entering the digestive tract. The bile blockage can be intrehepatic, that means that the obstruction is inside the liver, or the blockage could be extrahepatic, which means that the blockage is outside the liver. This Cholestasis, the blockage of the digestive tract, could lead to laindice. The Cholestasis can be identified by the presence of a elevated bilirubin level.

Gallstones

It is estimated that up to 25% of all people have gallstones. Gallstones is made up by lecithin and bile acids and are therefor depending on which food you eat. Gallstones can cause abdominal pain, usually as the gallstones pass through the bile duct after a meal.

Gallstone Ileaus Obstruction

Gallstone Ileus is when a large gallstone is blocking the bowel (ileus) at the level of the Treitz ligament or the ileocecal valve in the digestive traqct. This is caused when the Gall Bladder have formed a Fistula (canal) with the digestive tract and the condition must be treated by surgical means.

Biliary Colic - Gallstone

Biliary Colic is when the common bile duct or the duct into the Gall Bladder is blocked by a gallstone.

Cholecystis - Inflammation of the Gall Bladder

Inflamation in the gall bladder is called Cholecystis. It can be a acute inflammation or a chronic inflammation of the Gall Bladder and is in most cases caused by the presence of Gall Stones (gallstones) which are making way for the bacteria to infect the Gall Bladder.

Choledocholithiasis . Gallstones

The common bile duct can be obstructed by Gallstones and this is called Choledocholithiasis. This cancause jaundice and damage to the liver cells. In some of the worst cases a cholecystectomy could be required.

Polyps in the Gall Bladder (Gallbladder)

Polyps are growths that can be anoying for the body. Gall Bladder Polyps can be around a cm in size and larger ones should prompt to remove the gall bladder to prevent Gall Bladder Cancer. A condition called primary sclerosing cholangitis can be associated with Gall Bladder Polyps and is also a risk factor for Gall Bladder Cancer.

Gall Bladder Cancer

Cancer in the Gall Bladder is a dangerous condition that should be treated as soon as discovered. Gall Bladder Cancer could be associated with gallstone disease, cigarette smoking, alcohol, estrogens and obesity.