5. perforation and peritonitis | Complications of the inflammation of the gall bladder

5. perforation and peritonitis

A perforation is a tearing of the gall bladder filled with pus and emptying into the abdominal cavity. Such a rupture then leads to local peritonitis, which quickly spreads further. This is an inflammation of the peritoneum, which can spread over several stages.

In 5-30% of cases, this can lead to death, depending on the localization or spread, immune status and pathogen. Bilious peritonitis describes an inflammation of the peritoneum in which only bile passes into the peritoneal cavity. This can occur in the case of a perforation without simultaneous pus formation or also after gall bladder operations.

Another common complication of the inflammation of the gallbladder caused by gallstones is pancreatitis, also known as pancreatitis by experts. In most people, the bile duct (Ductus choledochus) and the pancreatic duct (Ductus pancreaticus) in a common papilla (Papilla duodeni major) lead to the duodenum (part of the small intestine, duodenum). This leads not only to a backlog of bile, but also to a backlog of pancreatic juice, which in turn leads to pancreatitis. More about pancreatitis

7. gallstone ileus

The ileus of gallstones refers to a closure of the intestinal lumen by gallstones. The stones pass from the gall bladder into the small intestine through an inflammatory fistula and can lead to a mechanical obstruction.

8. sepsis

If pathogens enter the bloodstream, this leads to life-threatening blood poisoning (sepsis). The pathogens spread throughout the entire organism and lead to organ dysfunction and finally to shock with organ failure.Despite many advances in modern medicine and intensive research, 30 – 50% of those affected by sepsis still die in general.

9. tumors

Inflammations, such as inflammation of the gall bladder, especially recurrent and chronic inflammations always carry the risk of malignant degeneration. Gallstones, especially large ones, also carry a certain risk of degeneration. More about the topic tumor