Figure 1-7.
Sengstaken-Blakemore tube.
1-63. GALLBLADDER DISEASE
a. Cholelithiasis, the presence of calculi or stones in the gallbladder, is the
cause of 90 percent of gallbladder disease. Their presence indicates some dysfunction
of the gallbladder. Gallstones are composed of cholesterol, calcium, bilirubin, and
inorganic salts.
b. Cholecystitis, inflammation of the gallbladder, is usually associated with
gallstones.
c. Biliary colic, or a "gallbladder attack," is the result of contracture of the
gallbladder. Stimulated by fat (from a meal), the gallbladder attempts to release bile,
but is unable to do so because of some obstruction. In most cases, this obstruction is
due to gallstones. Symptoms of the classic gallbladder attack include the following:
(1)
Acute RUQ pain. Pain may radiate to the chest or the upper back.
MD0918
1-65