The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ in the upper right abdomen, beneath the liver. It stores and concentrates bile, a digestive fluid that helps break down fats. A gallbladder rupture is a serious medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Recognizing symptoms is crucial.
What a Gallbladder Rupture Means
A gallbladder rupture, or perforation, is a tear in the gallbladder wall, leaking bile and substances into the abdominal cavity. It often results from severe inflammation (acute cholecystitis). Gallstones blocking a bile duct commonly cause bile buildup, pressure, and reduced blood flow that damages the wall.
Leaking bile and bacteria can cause peritonitis, an abdominal infection. This can lead to widespread infection, organ failure, and life-threatening sepsis. Rarely, blunt abdominal trauma can also cause a gallbladder rupture. Early recognition and intervention are crucial.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Symptoms often include severe, sudden abdominal pain in the upper right or center abdomen. Pain may radiate to the back or right shoulder. Abdominal tenderness is also common.
Fever and chills signal infection. Nausea and vomiting frequently accompany these symptoms, especially after fatty foods. Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes, can also occur due to bile leaking into the bloodstream.
These symptoms differentiate a rupture from less severe issues; the pain is usually excruciating, continuous, and rapidly worsening. Signs of infection or sepsis, such as rapid heartbeat, mental disorientation, or a sudden drop in blood pressure, indicate an advanced stage.
When to Seek Emergency Care
If severe symptoms (intense, continuous abdominal pain, high fever with chills, or jaundice) are present, seek immediate emergency medical attention. Waiting or attempting home remedies can escalate the condition, increasing the risk of complications like sepsis or organ failure. Prompt medical evaluation improves outcomes.
Individuals with severe abdominal pain preventing them from sitting still or finding comfort should go to the ER immediately. Contact emergency services if symptoms are severe and rapidly worsening. Upon arrival, assessments focus on patient stabilization and determining the cause.
A healthcare team performs a rapid evaluation to assess urgency. This involves a physical examination and diagnostic tests to guide immediate care. Delays in treatment can increase surgical complication rates and may necessitate more invasive procedures.
Diagnosis and Medical Intervention
Diagnosing a ruptured gallbladder involves a comprehensive approach. Physical examination identifies abdominal tenderness and inflammation. Blood tests check for infection markers, such as an elevated white blood cell count, and assess liver function.
Imaging tests visualize the gallbladder and surrounding areas. An ultrasound is often the initial investigation, detecting gallstones, wall thickening, and fluid accumulation. For more detailed assessment, a CT scan or MRI may identify wall defects, fluid leakage, or abscess formation, signs of perforation.
Once confirmed, emergency surgery (cholecystectomy) is typically required to remove the damaged organ. This procedure can be performed laparoscopically (small incisions) or through traditional open surgery, depending on severity and patient health. Antibiotics combat infection, and sometimes leaked fluids need draining.