What symptoms can occur?

A typical sign of pericholecystitis is strong pain in the upper right abdomen, which often comes on suddenly. The pain can spread to the back or the right shoulder. Fever, nausea, and a general feeling of being unwell are also common. Sometimes the abdomen is tender or even firm in the area of the gallbladder. In severe cases, the inflammation can spread to other parts of the abdomen, which can lead to peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdomen).

The symptoms are not always clear-cut. Older people or those with existing health conditions sometimes show milder or unusual symptoms. For this reason, persistent or worsening pain in the upper right abdomen should always be taken seriously.

Is pericholecystitis dangerous?

Inflammation of the tissue around the gallbladder is a serious complication. It can lead to abscesses (collections of pus), peritonitis, or even blood poisoning. If left untreated, there is a risk that the inflammation will spread further in the abdomen and cause life-threatening conditions. Because the symptoms are sometimes not very pronounced, it is important to seek medical help quickly if pericholecystitis is suspected.

How is pericholecystitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Tenderness in the upper right abdomen is a typical finding. Blood tests often show raised inflammatory markers. An ultrasound scan provides important information: it can reveal a thickened gallbladder wall, fluid collections around the gallbladder, and sometimes gallstones. In unclear cases, a computed tomography (CT) scan may be needed to assess the extent of the inflammation accurately.

Treatment options for pericholecystitis

Treatment depends on the severity of the inflammation. In most cases, a stay in hospital is necessary. The aim is to contain the inflammation and prevent complications.

Treatment often begins with intravenous fluids to stabilise hydration levels, and with antibiotics to target the bacterial cause. Food is usually withheld initially to give the gallbladder a rest. If an abscess or a significant collection of pus develops, a targeted drainage procedure or a small surgical intervention may be needed.

In many cases, the gallbladder is surgically removed, particularly if gallstones are identified as the trigger or if the inflammation is very severe. The operation can be performed as open surgery or as a minimally invasive (laparoscopic) procedure, depending on how far the inflammation has progressed.

What happens after treatment?

After successful treatment, symptoms usually improve quickly. Most people recover well when the inflammation is identified and treated in good time. As a rule, no special diet or ongoing therapy is needed after the gallbladder has been removed. Digestion continues to work without a gallbladder, as the liver still produces bile, which is then passed directly into the intestine.

Sometimes a general feeling of weakness can persist for a while after a severe case of pericholecystitis. In such cases, a short period of rehabilitation may be helpful to regain strength.

What to do if you are unsure or have symptoms?

Persistent or worsening pain in the upper right abdomen, fever, or a general feeling of being unwell should always be taken seriously. Especially if you already know you have gallstones or a previous gallbladder condition, it is important not to hesitate when new symptoms appear and to seek medical advice. The earlier treatment begins, the better the chances of a full recovery without complications.