Let us define gangrene. This condition can be described as the death of cells. It usually occurs as a result of blood supply obstruction in some parts of the body. It is seen in a person’s fingers or toes; however, it can be seen in internal organs as well. Gangrenous gallbladder usually occurs because of problems caused by stones. When a gallstone blocks the bile duct, normal bile flow will no longer be possible, and infections are likely to develop inside the gallbladder. Inflammatory processes usually don’t take too long to develop, and if left untreated, this problem can result in gangrene.
The Symptoms of Gangrenous Gallbladder
The symptoms of gangrenous gallbladder include:
- Chills
- High fever
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- General weakness
- Abdominal discomfort
- Indigestion
- Mild fever
- Bloating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Nausea
- Cramps
As you can see, these symptoms are very similar to those of other gallbladder disorders. If you experience any of these symptoms – that does not necessarily mean that you have a gangrenous gallbladder. In fact, it is impossible to tell what exactly is wrong with the gallbladder – until you visit your doctor. Some tests will have to be done in order to see what is happening with your gallbladder. These symptoms can indicate some other conditions, so you will have to undergo some analyses to see what is wrong.
How to Treat Gangrenous Gallbladder
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This condition is much easier to treat if detected early. If not, it can cause other complications and it can become quite severe. In such cases, this condition will be very difficult to treat and it will probably require gallbladder surgery. A person who has this condition must take it seriously because gangrenous gallbladder can be lethal. Therefore, do not wait for the symptoms to become worse. Visit your doctor in time.
In most cases, this condition will be treated with surgery. The dead cells will have to be removed, and gallbladder surgery will be the only way to do this.
If the condition has already become severe, the entire gallbladder will have to be taken out.
Laparoscopic surgery will be done (in most patients); this method is more popular than the traditional “open” surgery, because it is less invasive, and the chances of having post-operative problems are reduced. Small incisions will be made, and there will be no large scars in the abdominal area.
The risk of infections will be reduced because the incisions will be very small and they will heal quickly. The entire recovery period will be shorter and the patient will probably be able to go back to his/her normal activities in a couple of weeks.
After the surgery, the patient will have to be disciplined, when it comes to his/her diet. There are certain foods he/she will just have to avoid. This diet plan is not only temporary; this means that the patient will have to avoid certain types of foods for the rest of his/her life. Fortunately, these foods are unhealthy anyway; they include fatty foods (junk food, fried foods, fatty meat, fatty dairy products, and fatty sauces), foods with too much sugar, artificial sweeteners, alcohol, and caffeine.
The patient will still be allowed to eat healthy foods, which will have positive effects on the patient’s overall health. During the postoperative period, you will have to rest and consume liquids, because your body will need some time to start functioning normally without the gallbladder.
Gangrenous Gallbladder Ultrasound Images
Here are some ultrasound images of a gallbladder with gangrene. Images are from radiopaedia.org.
Gangrenous Gallbladder Mortality Rate
Gangrene in the gallbladder is one of the indications of a severe infection in this organ. People with gangrenous gallbladder have an up 22% mortality rate. It can further complicate more severe problems with a chance of 16-25%. Gangrenous gallbladder complication includes perforation that reportedly occurs in as much as 10% of acute gallbladder problems. It is very important that people whose gallbladder is infected with gangrene be admitted and thoroughly checked by a doctor.