Alternative Names
Cholecystitis – acute
Definition of Acute cholecystitis
Acute cholecystitis is a sudden inflammation of the gallbladder that causes severe .
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
In 90% of cases, acute cholecystitis is caused by in the gallbladder. Severe illness and, rarely, tumors of the gallbladder may also cause cholecystitis.
Symptoms
The main symptom is abdominal pain that is located on the upper right side or upper middle of the abdomen. The pain may:
Signs and tests
A physical exam will show that your abdomen is tender to the touch.
Treatment
Seek immediate medical attention for severe abdominal pain.
Expectations (prognosis)
Patients who have surgery to remove the gallbladder usually do very well.
Review
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. – 7/6/2009
