Treatment
Surgery is the usual treatment. Surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) can be performed as an open or laparoscopic procedure. The open procedure requires a large cut in the upper-right part of the abdomen. Laparoscopic surgery uses instruments and a small camera inserted through a cluster of a few small cuts.
In patients who are poor candidates for surgery because of other diseases or conditions, the gallstones may be dissolved with medication taken by mouth.
Prognosis (Expectations)
Cholecystectomy is a common procedure with a low risk.
Complications
- Cancer of the gallbladder (rarely)
- Jaundice
- Pancreatitis
- Worsening of the condition
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop any symptoms of cholecystitis.
-
Chronic cholecystitis : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
-
Chronic cholecystitis : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
-
Chronic cholecystitis : Treatment
Review Date : 3/5/2009
Reviewed By : David C. Dugdale, III, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
