Therapy of gallbladder inflammation

Classification of therapy

  1. conservative
  2. operational
  3. ERCP
  4. Shattering
  5. nutrition

1. Conservative therapy

Acute gallbladder inflammation can be treated in different ways.
With conservative therapy, in addition to bed rest, absolute food abstinence must be observed. A nasogastric tube can be useful in the case of nausea and vomiting. Nutrition is parenteral, i.e. through infusions with adequate volume and electrolyte replacement.

The severe pain of gallbladder inflammation is treated with painkillers. It is important to ensure that no morphine-containing drugs are used, because they lead to an increase in the muscle tone of the sphincters, which increases the pain symptoms. Anti-nausea medications and anticonvulsant drugs (Antispasmodics) are indicated as well as antibiotics.

2. Surgical therapy of gallbladder inflammation

However, if the cause of the acute inflammation is gallstone disease or a stuck stone, one is recommended Cholecystectomyif there are no contraindications for an operation.
This means surgical removal of the gallbladder and gallstones. In most cases, an open operation can be dispensed with. Modern surgical procedures nowadays enable a less risky and gentler method in which the gall bladder is usually removed in a minimally invasive manner through four approximately 2 cm long skin incisions on the abdomen (laparoscopy).

The postoperative recovery time is shorter and there are fewer complications. In the case of postoperative progress without complications, the hospital can usually be left on the 3rd day after the operation after checking all relevant parameters. The doctor will then check the wound, change the dressing and remove the threads.

If the surgeon has to opt for an open abdominal incision, the length of stay and the risk of complications are higher with this therapy for gallbladder inflammation.

3. ERCP

Another option for treating gallbladder inflammation is that described above ERCPwhere stones are removed through a tube inserted through the mouth.

4. Shattering

Extracorporeal shock waves break stones. The fragments then enter the intestine via the biliary tract and are excreted in the stool.
Read more on the topic extracorporeal shock waves.

4. Diet

In the first few days after the operation, one should look forward to one Light food restrict.

The Gallbladder is a hollow organ which the liver stores produced bile, thickens and, if necessary (so especially after meals) in the Small intestine gives. In the small intestine, the bile is used to emulsify dietary fats, which can only be absorbed in this way. So it is important for fat digestion. Surgical removal of the gallbladder causes the bile juice to go straight to the small intestine, so the storage function is eliminated. In the case of larger fatty meals, a sufficient amount of juice cannot always be made available and it happens Digestive problems. Therefore, larger fatty dishes should be avoided.