Gallbladder Flashcards
What kind of disorders might the gallbladder be faced with?
4
Disorders can involve inflm, infection, stones and tumors
What is inflm of the gallbladder called?
Cholecystitis
What is the term for precipitates developing in the gallbladder?
Cholelithiasis
What 3 mechanisms often lead to precipitation of stones?
o Abnormal bile composition (ex Inc cholesterol, dec bile salts)
o Bille stasis -> precipitation
o Inflm debris -> nuclei for stone formation
What two offending agents are associated with development of inflm debris?
• E. coli and strep. Faucalis implicated
Mechanism unknown but they alter bile composition
Do genetics play a role
There is suggestion they have an influence but it remains unclear
When do gall stones start causing problems?
When they migrate into a duct
Potential for obstruction
3 types of Gall Stones
Incidence of each?
o Cholesterol stones (80%) • Bile + inc cholesterol o Pigment stones (20%) • Bilirubin and Ca salts o Mixed stones
Two key MNFTS
o Colic pain (intermittent and radiating)
o Nausea and vomiting (r/t to severe pain)
What could Gall stones MNFTS be misdiagnosed as
MI
Dx of Gall stones
o HX and Px
o Ultrasound, scans (CT, MRI…etc)
NOTE: Stones present may not mean it is the cause of pain… necessarily
Tx if no obstruction present
o Dissolving agents (eg ectigall)
+ pain meds…
Tx if there is an obstruction
Sx (eg retrograde endoscopy)
Tx in severe case
Remove gallbladder
Complications that may require tx?
cholecystitis (inflm), pancreatitis , perferoration
