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Gallbladder Complications

The gallbladder, a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver, primarily stores bile, a fluid produced by the liver that aids in the digestion of fats.[1] Complications related to the gallbladder can arise from various issues, including inflammation, obstruction, and the formation of gallstones. These complications can lead to significant health problems if left untreated.

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Complications of the Gallbladder

Several complications can arise from gallbladder issues. These include:

  • Cholecystitis: This refers to the inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, which leads to a buildup of bile and subsequent inflammation.[2] Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, fever, and nausea.
  • Bile Duct Obstruction: Gallstones can migrate from the gallbladder and obstruct the bile ducts. This obstruction can lead to jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) due to the buildup of bilirubin, and it also increases the risk of infection (cholangitis) because bile flow is blocked.[3]
  • Pancreatitis: Gallstones can also block the pancreatic duct, which carries digestive enzymes from the pancreas to the small intestine. This blockage can cause pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, leading to severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.[4]

Authoritative Sources

  1. Gallbladder Problems. [Mayo Clinic]↩
  2. Cholecystitis. [National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases]↩
  3. Bile Duct Obstruction. [Cleveland Clinic]↩
  4. Pancreatitis. [Johns Hopkins Medicine]↩

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