Gallbladder & Biliary Disorders

Gallbladder and biliary disorders encompass a spectrum of conditions affecting bile storage, transport, and excretion within the hepatobiliary system. The most prevalent pathology is cholelithiasis (gallstones), which may remain asymptomatic or precipitate biliary colic due to transient cystic duct obstruction. Complications include acute and chronic cholecystitis, empyema of the gallbladder, and gallbladder perforation. Obstruction of the common bile duct may result in choledocholithiasis, leading to obstructive jaundice or ascending cholangitis—both requiring urgent intervention.

Functional disorders such as biliary dyskinesia involve abnormal gallbladder motility without structural obstruction. Inflammatory and infective etiologies can compromise biliary flow, while neoplastic conditions, including cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder carcinoma, represent serious albeit less common causes of biliary obstruction.

Clinical presentation typically includes right upper quadrant pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and jaundice in obstructive cases. Diagnosis relies on ultrasonography as the first-line imaging modality, supplemented by MRCP or ERCP for ductal evaluation and therapeutic management. Laboratory findings may reveal elevated bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and transaminases.
Management ranges from conservative therapy and antibiotics to laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which remains the definitive treatment for symptomatic gallstones and complicated cholecystitis. Early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention significantly reduce morbidity and prevent life-threatening sequelae