Complications of an inflammation of the gall bladder
If an inflammation of the gall bladder is not treated, numerous complications may occur. One of these is the accumulation of pus within the gallbladder, which is called gallbladder empyema, and another is irreversible tissue loss, which is called gangrene. Finally, the gallbladder wall can break through, resulting in a perforation of the gallbladder.
This can lead to accumulation of pus all around the gallbladder.One speaks of a perichocystic abscess. Liver abscesses are also possible. If the spread of the abscess is limited, it is a covered perforation.
However, the inflammation can also spread systemically as a free perforation in the body and lead to irritation of the peritoneum (peritonitis). It is also possible that the pancreas may be affected by the inflammation as pancreatitis. Bacteria in the gallbladder can ultimately lead to blood poisoning (sepsis).
These complications are all highly life-threatening. In addition, connecting passages (fistulas) to other organs in the abdominal cavity or even into the skin can develop. Gallstones can thus make their way into the intestines and lead to intestinal obstruction (ileus).
If air from the intestine reaches the bile duct system in the opposite direction, ultrasound detection is carried out using small air bubbles (aerobic ultrasound). A further complication is the transition from acute cholecystitis to chronic inflammation of the gall bladder. The chronic inflammation of the gall bladder can cause recurrent complaints through inflammatory attacks.
In addition, the tissue can change over time in such a way that the gallbladder shrinks or deposits calcium. The full picture is then called a shrunken bladder or porcelain gallbladder. Both forms can degenerate into gallbladder cancer.
Gall bladder inflammation during pregnancy
Gallstones are found in about 5% of pregnant women and about 1% suffer from discomfort. The development of gallstones during pregnancy is hormonal. Especially estrogens are relevant. In addition, the child growing in the uterus can cause the gallbladder to be displaced. The outflow of bile is thus disturbed and stones can develop more easily.
