Gallbladder Disease
in Denver

What is Gallbladder Disease?

Gallbladder disease encompasses conditions that can affect the gallbladder such as inflammation, infection, stones or blockages. The gallbladder is the small organ located under the liver that stores bile.

Conditions that are included in gallbladder disease include:

Gallstones

These are small, hard deposits of digestive fluid that block the passage to the gallbladder and bile ducts. These stones can lead to gallbladder inflammation, pain or infection.

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis describes inflammation of the gallbladder. It occurs when bile is trapped in the gallbladder, which can lead to infection.

Acalculous Gallbladder Disease

This is an inflammation of the gallbladder without the presence of gallstones.

Congenital defects of the gallbladder

A congenital defect is a structural or functional abnormality that occurs at or before birth. There are many different congenital defects that can affect the gallbladder, including congenital reduplication of the gallbladder, bilobed gallbladder, anomalous positions of the gallbladder and more.

Gangrene of the gallbladder

Gangrene, or dead tissue, can happen when the gallbladder develops inadequate blood flow.

Gallbladder abscesses

Confined pockets of pus called abscesses can occur when the gallbladder becomes inflamed.

Sclerosing Cholangitis

This is a slowly progressing disease of the bile ducts.  Inflammation causes scars within the bile ducts, which can lead to serious liver damage.

Tumors of the gallbladder and bile ducts

Tumors, or abnormal growths, can occur on the gallbladder and bile ducts. They may be noncancerous or cancerous.  

Individuals with gallbladder disease may experience the following symptoms:

• Recurring pain in the upper right abdomen or behind the breastbone known as biliary colic.
• Inflammation of the gallbladder known as acute cholecystitis.
• Gas, nausea or diarrhea.
• Gallstones which may cause dark urine, fever, chills or jaundice.

How is Gallbladder Disease Diagnosed?

Patients who are experiencing symptoms associated with gallbladder disease should share this information with their doctor for proper diagnosis. Your doctor will ask for a list of symptoms you are experiencing, your medical history, and may also perform a physical exam. Further testing may include chest or abdominal X-rays, ultrasound, HIDA scan, CT, MRI or more.

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I was very nervous about my first colonoscopy. Dr. Fairbanks put me at ease immediately and did an excellent job. I was able to watch the last few minutes of the procedure and it was awesome! She explained everything clearly. I had my procedure done at Parker Adventist and they were wonderful as well! Job well done, Dr. Fairbanks! Thanks, Robin

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Everyone was great from scheduling and people I had contact with before, during and after the procedure.

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Treatment Options for Gallbladder Disease

The treatment option that is right for you will depend on the specific form of gallbladder disease you have, as well as your medical history. Your doctor may create a treatment plan that includes the following:

Weight Loss

Being overweight or having diabetes can increase the likelihood of gallstone formation, so weight loss can help to lower your risk for developing more. Increasing your physical activity can also decrease gallstone formation.

Medication

Gallbladder inflammation and the discomfort associated can be treated using prescription pain medications.

Surgery

Surgery to remove the gallbladder may be required if many gallstones are present or the gallbladder is no longer functioning properly. This surgery can often be performed laparoscopically and as an outpatient procedure.

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