Gallbladder Disorders

Receive compassionate care for all types of gallbladder disorders, from minor to very serious, at Peak Gastroenterology Associates. You will be under the care of some of the country’s leading GI doctors, with clinics in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Lone Tree.

What Are Gallbladder Disorders?

Nearly 20 million people in the United States have gallstones, which increases their risk of acute and chronic gallbladder disorders. Gallbladder disorders develop due to gallstones, solid particles that form from bile cholesterol and bilirubin in the gallbladder. Other common disorders include cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation), gallbladder disease without stones, and biliary dyskinesia (abnormal function of the bile ducts and gallbladder).

What Causes Gallbladder Disorders?

The causes of gallbladder disorders can vary, but they typically include:

Gallstones formation is often due to imbalances in the substances that make up bile.
Inflammation is caused by gallstones blocking the ducts leading to and from the gallbladder.
Infections within the gallbladder may be caused by bile being trapped.
Functional issues such as biliary dyskinesia may cause the gallbladder to be unable to empty the bile correctly.

What Are the Types of Gallbladder Disorders?

Polyps

These are benign growths that form inside the gallbladder. While most polyps are asymptomatic and harmless, larger polyps can pose a risk of developing gallbladder cancer due to their size and potential changes over time.

Gallstones

Gallstones are formed from hardened deposits of the minerals in the digestive fluid in the gallbladder. They can vary in size and obstruct bile flow when they lodge in the ducts leading from the gallbladder to the intestine.

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, often triggered by gallstones blocking the duct. It can manifest as acute cholecystitis, with severe episodes of abdominal pain, or as chronic cholecystitis, which may involve repeated bouts of inflammation, decreasing gallbladder function, and bile storage.

Choledocholithiasis

This condition occurs when gallstones obstruct the bile ducts outside the gallbladder, leading to a backup of bile. This condition can cause severe inflammation and swelling of the gallbladder, often accompanied by pain and digestive disturbances.

Biliary Dyskinesia

Biliary dyskinesia is a functional gallbladder disorder where the gallbladder doesn’t empty bile effectively, often causing pain without the presence of gallstones.

What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms of gallbladder disorders can include the following:

Sharp pain in the upper right abdomen could radiate to the back or right shoulder.
Nausea or vomiting after eating.
Fever or chills if inflammation or an infection is present.
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) if bile flow is obstructed.
Changes in urine or stool color appear, with urine appearing darker or clay-colored stools.

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How Are Gallbladder Disorders Treated?

Treatment for gallbladder disorders depends on the specific condition and severity:

Medications to dissolve gallstones or manage symptoms.
Minimally invasive procedures like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to remove blockages.
Surgery, particularly cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), is commonly performed laparoscopically.
Dietary changes can lessen the burden on the gallbladder, which may include reducing fat intake.

Why Choose Us?

At Peak Gastroenterology Associates, our team is skilled in diagnosing and treating various gallbladder disorders using the latest techniques and technologies. Our patient-centric approach and superior medical care are delivered with personalized support from start to finish. Trust us to help you achieve optimal digestive health with a customized treatment plan. At Peak Gastroenterology Associates, you can receive comprehensive diagnostic testing to determine the cause of gallbladder-related symptoms.

Our skilled doctors customize treatment plans to protect your gastrointestinal health. If you suspect you have gallstones or need diagnostic testing for abdominal pain, schedule a consultation at the Peak Gastroenterology Associates clinic nearest you online or by phone today. Our state-of-the-art clinics are conveniently located in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Lone Tree. In addition to premier gastrointestinal care, our multi-specialty team of renowned physicians offers a full spectrum of treatment. At our practice, you can have all of your medical concerns addressed by qualified specialists in one convenient location.

Gallbladder Disorders FAQ

What are gallbladder disorders?

Your gallbladder sits below your liver and stores bile, a fluid the liver produces to digest fat. The gallbladder releases bile, which travels through bile ducts to reach your small intestine. Damage to the gallbladder or obstructions in the bile flow can result in a gallbladder disorder.

What are the types of gallbladder disorders?

There are several types of common gallbladder disorders, such as:

Polyps: Polyps are growths within the gallbladder that are typically noncancerous and don’t cause symptoms. However, larger-sized polyps may increase risk factors for gallbladder cancer.
Gallstones: Gallstones develop from a build-up of substances in bile, like calcium and cholesterol, which can grow large enough to block the gallbladder or obstruct the flow of bile in the bile ducts.
Cholecystitis: Cholecystitis is a common type of gallbladder disorder that causes acute or chronic inflammation in the gallbladder. Acute cholecystitis is typically due to gallstones that can cause attacks of abdominal pain. Chronic cholecystitis involves multiple attacks of acute cholecystitis, which can shrink the gallbladder, which loses its ability to store bile.
Choledocholithiasis: Choledocholithiasis describes a gallstone blockage in the neck of the gallbladder or within the bile ducts that don’t allow bile to flow out. This build-up of bile can lead to inflammation that causes the gallbladder to become distended.

How are gallbladder disorders diagnosed?

The Peak Gastroenterology Associates medical team offers on-site diagnostic testing for gallbladder disorders, including:

X-rays
Ultrasounds
Blood work
Hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan

Our GI specialist will review your personal and family medical history and perform a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms to confirm a gallbladder disorder.

What treatments are available for gallbladder disorders?

In many types of gallbladder disorders, the Peak Gastroenterology Associates team works closely with you to make necessary lifestyle and dietary changes that reduce the symptoms of a gallbladder disorder. These changes focus on helping you maintain a healthy weight to reduce risks for new gallstones.

Can medications resolve gallbladder disorders?

You may also need oral medications to address pain and inflammation in the gallbladder. If you have an active infection, you may need a course of antibiotics.

What is the surgery for a gallbladder disorder?

In situations where conventional treatment isn’t enough to treat a chronic gallbladder disorder, your Peak Gastroenterology Associates provider may recommend surgery to remove the gallbladder. Even without a gallbladder, you can live a long, healthy life. The medical team uses minimally invasive surgical procedures to reduce trauma and allow for a faster recovery.

If you have symptoms of a gallbladder disorder or need help treating a chronic gallbladder condition, schedule an evaluation at the Peak Gastroenterology Associates clinic nearest you by phone or on our online appointment scheduling feature.