Common Gallbladder Problems and Their Symptoms

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located under the liver. Its primary function is to store bile—a digestive fluid produced by the liver that aids break down fats. Though small, the gallbladder plays an important role in digestion. When something goes wrong with this organ, it can cause significant discomfort and severe health issues.

Understanding the common gallbladder issues and their symptoms is essential for early diagnosis and treatment. In this blog, Dr. Samrat Jankar, a specialist in gastrointestinal and laparoscopic surgery in Pune, will explain the most frequent gallbladder disorders, their symptoms, and when to seek medical help.

Gallstones (Cholelithiasis):

Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that form in the gallbladder. They are among the most common gallbladder problems and can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball.

Causes:

Imbalance in bile components (cholesterol, bile salts, bilirubin)
Infrequent gallbladder emptying
Obesity, rapid weight loss, or certain diets
Genetic predisposition

Symptoms:

Sudden and intense pain in the upper right stomach
Discomfort that may radiate to the back or right shoulder
Nausea or vomiting
Bloating, especially after fatty meals
Indigestion or gas

Some people with gallstones may remain asymptomatic, a condition referred to as “silent gallstones.”

Gallbladder Inflammation (Cholecystitis):

Cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gallbladder, usually generated by a gallstone blocking the cystic duct. This blockage leads to a build-up of bile and induces irritation and swelling.

Types:

Acute Cholecystitis: Sudden inflammation, usually painful and requiring prompt care.
Chronic Cholecystitis: Long-term inflammation due to repeated gallbladder episodes.

Symptoms:

Persistent pain in the upper right abdomen
Pain that lasts several hours
Fever and chills
Nausea and vomiting
Tenderness when pressing on the abdomen
Jaundice

Complications:

If untreated, cholecystitis can lead to complications like gallbladder rupture, infection (abscess), or spreading of inflammation to nearby organs.

Gallbladder Polyps:

Polyps are growths or lesions on the inner lining of the gallbladder. Most are benign and small, but larger polyps may have a risk of being cancerous.

Symptoms:

Often asymptomatic and found incidentally during imaging
Occasional right upper abdominal discomfort
Nausea or bloating

Monitoring with routine ultrasounds is advised if polyps are present. Surgical removal might be recommended if there is a cancer risk.

Gallbladder Cancer:

Though rare, gallbladder cancer is a serious condition. Risk factors include large gallstones, gallbladder polyps, chronic inflammation, and a family history of gallbladder disease.

Symptoms:

Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right portion
Unintended weight loss
Jaundice
Fever
Loss of appetite
General weakness

Gallbladder cancer often does not cause symptoms in its early stages, which makes early diagnosis challenging. If detected early, treatment outcomes are better.

Biliary Dyskinesia:

This condition happens when the gallbladder doesn’t empty bile properly due to a functional problem rather than a structural blockage.

Symptoms:

Upper right abdominal pain after meals
Nausea
Bloating
Fat intolerance

A HIDA scan is often used to diagnose this disorder. In some cases, gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) can relieve the symptoms.

Choledocholithiasis:

This is a condition where gallstones pass into the common bile duct and become lodged, potentially blocking the flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine.

Symptoms:

Severe abdominal pain
Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
Dark urine and pale stools
Fever and chills (if infection occurs)

This condition can lead to cholangitis or pancreatitis and needs immediate intervention.

When Should You See a Gallbladder Specialist?

Many people ignore early symptoms of gallbladder disease, attributing symptoms to gas, acidity, or indigestion. But untreated gallbladder conditions can lead to serious complications. You should consult a gallbladder specialist in Pune like, Dr. Samrat Jankar if you experience:

Recurrent pain in the upper right or mid abdomen
Pain after eating fatty foods
Nausea, vomiting, or bloating
Yellowing of the eyes or skin
Fever with abdominal pain

How Are Gallbladder Problems Diagnosed?

At Kaizen Gastro Care, we use a combination of advanced diagnostic tools to determine gallbladder issues:

Ultrasound: First-line imaging to detect stones and inflammation
MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography): A non-invasive scan to visualize the bile ducts
HIDA Scan: Evaluates gallbladder function
Blood tests: To detect infection, liver function, or signs of inflammation

Treatment Options:

Depending on the specific condition, treatment may include:

Medications: For mild or functional gallbladder issues
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Minimally invasive gallbladder removal surgery, the gold standard for gallstones and cholecystitis
Endoscopic Procedures: For stones in the bile duct (ERCP)
Oncologic Surgery or Oncology referral: For gallbladder cancer

Laparoscopic surgery offers faster recovery, smaller scars, and reduced post-operative pain. At Kaizen Gastro Care, we perform advanced laparoscopic gallbladder surgeries with excellent success rates.

Conclusion:

Gallbladder problems are more common than people realize and are often mistaken for indigestion or acidity. Understanding the symptoms and acting early can help avoid serious complications. Whether you’re experiencing unexplained abdominal pain or have already been diagnosed with gallstones, consulting a gallbladder surgeon in Pune can make all the difference.

If you suspect a gallbladder issue, don’t delay. Contact Dr. Samrat Jankar at Kaizen Gastro Care, Pune for expert diagnosis and world-class treatment options.