Acute cholecystitis

Question 1

What is acute cholecystitis?

Answer 1

Inflammation of the gallbladder. Usually happens when a gallstone blocks the cystic duct.
Gallstones are made of cholesterol that form in the GB. The cystic duct is the main opening of the GB.
Common and don’t always have symptoms. Can cause episodes of pain (biliary colic), or acute cholecystitis which is serious!
This needs treatment with rest, IV fluids, and antibiotics.

Question 2

What are the possible symptoms of acute cholecystitis?

Answer 2

Sudden sharp pain in R abdomen spreading to right shoulder, persistent pain, high temperature, nausea, emesis, sweating, loss of appetite, jaundice, bulge in abdomen

Question 3

What causes calculous cholecystitis?

Answer 3

When the cystic duct of the GB gets blocked by gallstones of biliary sludge.
Biliary sludge is a mix of digested fats, cholesterol, salt; this can cause bile to build up in the GB, increasing the pressure until its inflamed. This can lead to infection.

Question 4

What are the causes of acalculous cholecystitis?

Answer 4

GB inflammation WITHOUT GB stones. Usually a complication of infection, illness or injury.

Question 5

How would you test for acute cholecystitis?

Answer 5

Murphy’s sign, blood tests, ultrasound

Question 6

How would you treat acute cholecystitis?

Answer 6

Fasting, IV drip to prevent dehydration, PRN, antibiotics, cholectostomies, drainages

Question 7

Possible complications of acute cholecystitis?

Answer 7

Death of GB tissue which can lead to infection, perforated GB which can lead to peritonitis or abscesses.

Question 8

How can someone prevent acute cholecystitis/ nursing advice:

Answer 8

Balanced diet, exercise regularly, slow weight loss