Doctor explains Acute Cholecystitis (Gall bladder inflammation) | Causes, symptoms, treatment & more

In this video Dr O'Donovan explains key things you need to know about Acute Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gall bladder).

*What is acute cholecystitis?*

Acute cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. It usually happens when a gallstone blocks the cystic duct.

*What is the most common cause?*

Gallstones which are are small stones, usually made of cholesterol, that form in the gallbladder. The cystic duct is the main opening of the gallbladder.

Gallstones are very common, affecting more than 1 in 10 adults in the UK.

They do not usually cause symptoms, but can occasionally cause episodes of pain (biliary colic) or acute cholecystitis.

*Potential Symptoms of acute cholecystitis*

The main symptom of acute cholecystitis is a sudden, sharp pain in the upper right-hand side of your tummy (abdomen). This pain spreads towards your right shoulder.

The affected part of the tummy is usually very tender, and breathing deeply can make the pain worse.

Unlike other types of abdominal pain, the pain of acute cholecystitis is usually persistent and does not go away within a few hours.

Some people may have additional symptoms, such as a high temperature, feeling sick, being sick, sweating, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice), a bulge in the tummy.

Content chapters and timestamps

00:00 - Introduction
00:26 - Overview of Cholecystitis (Acute and Chronic)
01:37 - Causes
02:51 - Symptoms
04:42 - Risk factors for cholecystitis
06:00 - Diagnosis and tests
06:52 - Management and treatment (including laparoscopic cholecystectomy)
08:52 - Potential complications
09:37 - Prevention

*Website resources*

NHS (UK) information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acute-c...

Cleveland Clinic (USA) information: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health...

Patient information: https://patient.info/digestive-health...

Video made: January 2025
Next review: January 2028

************************************************************************
Connect through:

Website: www.doctorodonovan.com
YouTube:    / doctorodonovan​  
TikTok: @doctorodonovan

**************************************************************************
Disclaimer:

The video is intended as an educational resource only. The information within this video or on this channel isn't designed to replace professional input, so if you have any medical issues please consult a medical provider. No professional relationship is being created by watching this video. Dr. O’Donovan cannot give any individual medical advice. All information should be verified for accuracy by the individual user. Dr O’Donovan accepts no responsibility for individual interpretation of data, although it is always accurate to the best of his knowledge at the time of the video being published. This is an EDUCATIONAL video. Images are used in accordance with fair use guidelines.

Legal information:

Content provided via YouTube is for general information purposes ONLY. Information videos are not produced to provide individualised medical advice. Medical education videos on Doctor O'Donovan are not a substitute for professional professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. NEVER ignore professional medical advice because of something you have heard here. ALWAYS consult your doctor regarding any concerns about your condition or treatment.