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Gallbladder Inflammation (Cholecystitis) Treatment In Singapore

童永贤博士

Gallbladder Inflammation Doctor
内外全科医学士 (MBBS) • 医学硕士 (MMed) • 爱尔兰皇家外科医师学会会员 (MRCS (IRE)) • 爱丁堡皇家外科医师学会会员 (FRCSED) • 印度医学科学院院士 (FAMS)

预约

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver. Its primary function is to store and concentrate bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Gallbladder inflammation, medically known as cholecystitis, occurs when this organ becomes irritated or infected. This condition can be acute, which occurs suddenly and requires immediate medical attention, or chronic, which develops slowly over time. If it’s not managed, this inflammation can lead to severe complications, including a ruptured gallbladder.

Types of Cholecystitis

Gallbladder inflammation can manifest in these primary forms:

  • Acute Cholecystitis: This type occurs suddenly and is often characterised by severe, sharp pain in the upper abdomen. Acute cholecystitis typically requires immediate medical attention and treatment to prevent complications.

  • Chronic Cholecystitis: This form develops more gradually, often resulting from recurrent episodes of mild inflammation or irritation. Over time, chronic cholecystitis can cause the gallbladder walls to thicken and impair its ability to function effectively. Symptoms might be less intense but more persistent.

  • Acalculous Cholecystitis: A less common but often severe form, acalculous cholecystitis is gallbladder inflammation occurring without gallstones. It typically affects critically ill patients, those who have experienced major surgery or trauma, or individuals on prolonged intravenous (IV) nutrition.

Causes of Gallbladder Inflammation

Gallbladder inflammation arises from various underlying conditions, such as:

  • 胆结石： Gallstones are the primary cause of gallbladder inflammation. These crystalline formations can obstruct the cystic duct, leading to bile buildup that may result in inflammation or infection.
  • Tumours: Tumours in the gallbladder or bile ducts can impede the normal flow of bile, causing bile accumulation and subsequent inflammation.
  • Biliary Sludge: Biliary sludge, a mixture of bile particles and cholesterol crystals, can also obstruct bile flow, similar to gallstones and lead to inflammation.
  • 感染： Bacterial or viral infections can directly infect the gallbladder, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems, leading to inflammation.

  • Risk Factors: Obesity, high-fat diets, and rapid weight loss can increase your risk. Other contributing factors include being of the female gender, being over the age of 40, pregnancy, and having certain medical conditions like diabetes.

Signs and Symptoms of Gallbladder Inflammation

Recognising the symptoms of gallbladder inflammation is critical for timely diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, depending on whether the condition is acute or chronic

Acute Symptoms

  • Severe pain in the upper right abdomen, which may extend to the back or right shoulder blade
  • Fever and chills
  • 恶心和呕吐
  • Tenderness in the abdomen, particularly on the right side

Chronic Symptoms

  • Recurrent mild abdominal pain, especially after eating fatty foods
  • Bloating and indigestion symptoms
  • Jaundice, a condition marked by yellowing of the skin and eyes

Diagnosis of Gallbladder Inflammation

Medical History and Physical Examination

The diagnostic process begins with a comprehensive review of the patient’s medical history and a physical examination, where the doctor may check for abdominal tenderness.

血液检查

Blood tests are conducted to check for signs of infection or inflammation in the body. Elevated white blood cell count, liver enzymes, and bilirubin levels can suggest gallbladder inflammation.

影像检查

Imaging tests can help in diagnosing gallbladder inflammation and identifying its causes:

  • Ultrasound: The most common and effective imaging test for detecting gallstones and other abnormalities in the gallbladder.
  • Hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan: This nuclear imaging test assesses the functioning of the gallbladder and bile ducts.
  • Computed Tomography (CT) scan: CT scans obtain detailed images of the gallbladder and surrounding structures, identifying inflammation or other complications.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI scans can provide detailed images of the bile ducts and gallbladder, useful in diagnosing blockages or other abnormalities.

Get an Accurate Diagnosis & Specialised Treatment For Gallbladder Inflammation

Consult our fellowship-trained surgeon for a personalised plan for gallbladder inflammation today. 

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Non-Surgical Treatment Options For Gallbladder Inflammation

Conservative methods include:

Fasting

Helps rest the gallbladder, reducing the demand for bile production.

Pain Management

Analgesics are prescribed to alleviate abdominal pain.

Antibiotics

These are used to treat or prevent infections, particularly if bacteria have caused the inflammation.

The above methods are mainly for symptom relief and do not treat the source of infection, which often leads to a recurrence of symptoms.

Surgical Treatment Options For Gallbladder Inflammation

Surgical intervention is commonly recommended for treating acute conditions or chronic conditions with symptoms:

  • Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: The preferred method for gallbladder removal, this minimally invasive surgery involves several small incisions to remove the gallbladder, offering shorter recovery times.
  • Open Cholecystectomy: A more invasive approach requiring a larger abdominal incision, which is necessary if laparoscopic surgery is not feasible.
Dr Thng Yongxian, colorectal and general surgeon at private clinic Singapore

童永贤博士

高级顾问

肝胆胰外科及普通外科医生

MBBS（新加坡）• MMed（外科）• MRCS（爱尔兰）• FRCSEd（普通）• FAMS（外科）

唐永贤医生是一位接受过专科培训的肝胆胰外科及普通外科医生，已完成超过6000例外科手术。.

  • 医学学士和外科学士
  • 新加坡国立大学
  • 爱尔兰皇家外科医学院院士
  • 新加坡医学硕士（普通外科）
  • 爱丁堡皇家外科医学院院士
  • 新加坡医学科学院院士

他首先在新加坡中央医院肝胆外科接受了肝胆外科的专科培训。之后，他在韩国首尔大学医院盆唐分院完成了微创肝胆外科的临床研究员培训。.


唐医生在其所在的医院创建并率先开展了微创手术项目，用于治疗复杂的肝脏和胰腺疾病。他的手术曾多次在国家电视台进行现场直播。他的手术视频也曾在国际外科会议上展出。此外，他还率先将胶囊内镜应用于结直肠癌筛查。.


Thng医生曾在医院、医疗集群和卫生部等多个委员会任职。Thng医生曾担任卫生部以价值为导向的医疗服务（VDC）腹腔镜胆囊切除术临床医生工作组成员。.

Prevention of Gallbladder Inflammation

While not all cases of gallbladder inflammation can be prevented, there are several strategies to reduce the risk of developing the condition.
  • Healthy Diet: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of gallstones. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day also helps to maintain bile fluidity, potentially reducing the risk of gallstone formation.
  • Weight Management: Avoid rapid weight loss, as this can increase the risk of gallstones. Obesity is also a significant risk factor for gallstones and gallbladder disease, making weight management very important.
  • Physical Activity: Engaging in regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of gallstones.
  • Regular Health Check-Ups: Regular visits to a hepatopancreatobiliary specialist can help detect risk factors or early signs of gallbladder issues, allowing for early intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gallbladder Inflammation

What are the risks associated with gallbladder removal?

While gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is generally safe, potential risks include common surgical issues like infection or bleeding, and rare complications such as bile duct injury or leakage. Some individuals may experience manageable post-cholecystectomy syndrome, involving digestive discomfort. Your gallbladder surgeon will detail all potential risks with you.

Recovery from gallbladder surgery depends on the method used. Laparoscopic surgery typically allows a return to most normal activities within 1-2 weeks, often with a very short hospital stay. Open surgery usually requires a longer recovery period of 4-6 weeks or more. Your doctor or surgeon will provide personalised post-operative guidance for your specific situation.
Most people return to a normal diet after gallbladder removal. Initially, a gradual reintroduction of foods, perhaps starting with a lower-fat intake, is often advised as your body adjusts to digesting fats after gallbladder inflammation surgery in Singapore. Temporary digestive changes like loose stools with fatty foods may occur but typically resolve. For persistent concerns related to diet after treatment for gallbladder inflammation, consult your gallbladder inflammation specialist and medical professional.

Related Gallbladder Treatments

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