Gallbladder disease: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

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Gallbladder disease

MedlinePlus Topics

Gallbladder Diseases

Images

Digestive system

Gallbladder anatomy

Read More

Acute cholecystitis

Gallbladder removal - laparoscopic

Gallbladder removal - open

Patient Instructions

Gallbladder removal - laparoscopic - discharge

Gallbladder removal - open - discharge

Gallstones - discharge

Gallbladder disease includes inflammation, infection, stones, or blockage (obstruction) of the gallbladder.

Causes

The gallbladder is a sac located under the liver. It stores and concentrates bile produced in the liver. Bile aids in the digestion of fat, and is released from the gallbladder into the upper small intestine (duodenum) in response to food (especially fats).

Types of gallbladder disease include:

Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
Gallstones (cholelithiasis)
Chronic acalculous gallbladder disease (in which the natural movements needed to empty the gallbladder do not work well)
Gangrene or abscesses
Growths of tissue (polyps) in the gallbladder
Defects of the gallbladder that are present at birth (congenital)
Sclerosing cholangitis
Tumors of the gallbladder and bile ducts

Alternative Names

Biliary disease

Update Date: 7/6/2009

Updated by: George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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