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Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, a small pear-shaped organ in the upper right area of the abdomen. The gallbladder holds bile produced by the liver. The bile is released into the small intestine where it aids in digestion, especially the absorption of fats. If the gallbladder is removed,that function is performed directly by the liver.Figure 1

In many cases of acute cholecystitis gallstones (solid lumps formed by substances found in the gallbladder) block the bile ducts (tubes that allow bile to pass from the gallbladder into the small intestine). Bile builds up and can push on the walls of the gallbladder, causing inflammation. Other causes of acute cholecystitis include infection, trauma, diabetes,or blockage of the bile ducts due to a tumor.

The January 1,2003,issue of JAMA includes an article about diagnosing acute cholecystitis.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of acute cholecystitis include

• Intense, sudden pain in the upper right part of the . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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