CHOLECYSTITIS

inflammation of the gallbladder, in most instances associated with gallstones (see gallstone). Disease-causing bacteria are usually found in instances of acute inflammation and in about 30 percent of the cases of chronic disease. In acute cholecystitis the organ is swollen, tense, and reddened; there may be areas of dead tissue, and pus may be present in quantities. A person with acute inflammation of the gallbladder is feverish and usually feels pain in the abdomen at the right of the stomach. He experiences nausea, vomiting, and chills. In chronic cholecystitis the gallbladder often is contracted rather than swollen; its wall is grayish white, tough, and thickened. There is discomfort after eating and difficulty in digesting fatty foods; there may be episodes of colic, pain, nausea, and vomiting. Surgical removal of the gallbladder is the usual treatment, particularly when gallstones are present or when there is evidence of gangrene or perforation. Medical management includes administration of pain-alleviating drugs, drugs to inhibit contractions of the gallbladder muscles, and antibiotics to control infection.