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Gallstones & Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, usually when a gallstone blocks its outlet. It causes severe upper right tummy pain and fever, and often needs surgery.
Causes & risk factors
- A gallstone blocking the gallbladder outlet
- Infection of the trapped bile
- Risk factors: female sex, being overweight, age, family history
- Rapid weight loss
- Rarely, inflammation without stones
Common symptoms
- Severe, constant upper right tummy pain
- Pain spreading to the right shoulder or back
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain worse after fatty meals
- Tenderness over the gallbladder
Tests & diagnosis
- Abdominal ultrasound (the main test)
- CBC (infection)
- LFT
- CRP
- CT or MRCP if a duct stone is suspected
Treatment & management
- Hospital care with fluids, pain relief and antibiotics
- Keyhole surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy)
- Early surgery is often preferred; sometimes done after settling
- Endoscopy (ERCP) to remove a stone stuck in the bile duct
- A lower-fat diet while awaiting surgery
When to see a doctor urgently
- Severe upper right tummy pain lasting more than a few hours
- Fever and chills with tummy pain
- Yellow eyes or skin with dark urine
- Persistent vomiting
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about gallstones & cholecystitis. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my gallbladder removed for gallstones?
If stones cause repeated pain or cholecystitis, removing the gallbladder is the usual cure. Silent stones with no symptoms often need no surgery.
What is the recovery like after gallbladder surgery?
Keyhole removal usually means a short hospital stay and return to normal activity within a week or two. Most people digest food normally afterwards.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.