Gallbladder Complications
This guide covers serious complications of gallstones – acute cholecystitis, cholangitis, gallstone pancreatitis, empyema, perforation, and gallbladder cancer. Recognising emergency signs can save lives.
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Inflammation of the gallbladder – the most common complication.
Repeated inflammation leading to gallbladder wall thickening and dysfunction.
Causes jaundice, cholangitis, and pancreatitis.
Charcot’s triad and Reynolds’ pentad – life‑threatening infection.
Pancreatic inflammation from a migrating stone – high mortality if severe.
Stone causing bowel obstruction – requires emergency surgery.
Rupture of the gallbladder leading to peritonitis.
Severe infection with pus collection – requires urgent drainage.
Long‑standing stones increase cancer risk, especially large stones >3cm.
Yellow skin, dark urine, pale stools – signs of CBD obstruction.
Sludge can cause pain, pancreatitis, and progress to stones.
Stone in the cystic duct compressing the common bile duct.
Polyp size >10mm requires cholecystectomy due to malignancy risk.
Calcified gallbladder wall – high risk of cancer, cholecystectomy recommended.
Symptoms of gallstones without stones – poor gallbladder function.
Red flag symptoms: fever, jaundice, severe pain, vomiting.