Gallbladder Disease

Echelon Health - Gallbladder

The Gallbladder is a small sac located under the liver. It stores bile that is produced in the liver. Bile aids in the digestion of fats and is released as required into the small intestine.

Types of Gallbladder disease include inflammation, infection, stones or a blockage, as well as tumours. Gall stones typically occur in middle aged women and can be especially painful and debilitating. They can cause pain in the upper right abdomen that is severe but intermittent. If it results in infection there is associated marked fevers with nausea and vomiting and sometimes jaundice.

Gallstones are also a risk factor for development of gallbladder cancer. Detecting gall stones at an early stage can allow prophylactic removal of the gallbladder before they cause any serious problems.