Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder disease occurs when the gallbladder, a small organ that stores bile, becomes inflamed, infected, or blocked, most commonly due to gallstones. Conditions such as cholelithiasis (gallstones), cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation), choledocholithiasis (bile duct stones), and biliary dyskinesia (impaired gallbladder emptying) can cause pain, nausea, and digestive discomfort.

At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our gastroenterologists use advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques to diagnose gallbladder disorders accurately and guide timely treatment, often before complications occur.

Symptom Onset and Initial Evaluation

Gallbladder disease often presents as intermittent pain in the upper right abdomen, especially after eating fatty or fried foods. Symptoms may include:

• Sharp, cramping, or pressure-like pain in the upper right or middle abdomen
• Nausea or vomiting after meals
• Bloating, gas, or indigestion
• Fever or chills, which may suggest infection
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) if bile ducts are blocked

During your initial evaluation, your gastroenterologist will review your symptoms, medical history, and dietary habits. A focused exam and imaging help determine whether gallstones or another gallbladder condition is responsible for your symptoms.

Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis supports effective treatment and helps prevent complications such as infection, bile duct obstruction, or pancreatitis. Diagnostic studies may include:

• Abdominal ultrasound: First-line imaging to detect gallstones and signs of gallbladder inflammation.
• HIDA scan: Evaluates how well the gallbladder fills and empties and can help diagnose biliary dyskinesia.
• CT or MRI: Identifies complications such as severe inflammation, abscess, or bile duct stones.
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or ERCP: Used to visualize and, when needed, remove stones from the bile duct.

Your care team at The Medical Group of New Jersey will explain the purpose of each test and recommend the most appropriate approach for your situation.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause, severity, and whether complications are present.

Gallstones (Cholelithiasis)

• If gallstones are not causing symptoms, observation may be appropriate.
• If symptoms occur, minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) is commonly recommended to remove the gallbladder and prevent future attacks.

Gallbladder Inflammation (Cholecystitis)

• Treatment may include antibiotics, IV fluids, and pain control, often followed by gallbladder removal after inflammation is controlled.

Bile Duct Stones (Choledocholithiasis)

• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be performed to remove stones and relieve blockage.

Functional Disorders (Biliary Dyskinesia)

• Diagnosed through gallbladder function testing; surgery may be considered when symptoms are persistent and significantly affect daily life.

At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our gastroenterologists collaborate closely with surgeons to ensure coordinated, patient-centered care before and after any procedure.

Ongoing Management and Follow-Up

Most patients recover fully with appropriate gallbladder treatment. Follow-up care supports comfort and helps monitor digestive health, liver function, and pancreatic health. Your gastroenterologist may provide:

• Post-treatment guidance and dietary recommendations, often including a lower-fat diet during recovery
• Monitoring for persistent symptoms, bile duct complications, or recurrent abdominal pain
• Ongoing digestive health support, including nutrition counseling when needed

When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe or persistent abdominal pain
• Fever or chills with abdominal tenderness
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Nausea or vomiting that does not improve

These symptoms may indicate a serious condition. Prompt treatment reduces the risk of infection, bile duct obstruction, or pancreatitis.