Our approach
Chronic acalculous cholecystitis is a diagnosis that requires a thorough examination, because similar symptoms can be caused by other digestive diseases.
At MSI, we assess the clinical picture, the results of laboratory and imaging studies, and gallbladder function, and we rule out other conditions. If conservative treatment is ineffective and the symptoms significantly affect quality of life, surgical treatment may be recommended.
What is chronic acalculous cholecystitis?
Chronic acalculous cholecystitis is a long-term inflammation of the gallbladder wall without stone formation.
In many patients, the disease is accompanied by impaired gallbladder contractility, which leads to bile stasis and characteristic symptoms.
Why does the disease develop?
Possible causes include:
- impaired gallbladder motility
- bile stasis
- previous episodes of acute inflammation
- bacterial infection
- functional disorders of the biliary system
- digestive diseases
- metabolic disorders
In many cases, the exact cause cannot be determined.
Symptoms
Patients most often experience:
- pain or discomfort in the right upper abdomen
- a feeling of heaviness after eating
- nausea
- bloating
- a bitter taste in the mouth
- intolerance of fatty food
- recurrent digestive problems
When to see a doctor
A consultation is recommended if:
- symptoms persist for a long time
- conservative treatment brings no improvement
- an ultrasound has shown changes in the gallbladder wall
- gallbladder contractility is impaired
- the indications for surgical treatment need to be determined
- you need a second opinion on the diagnosis
How is the diagnosis made?
The following are used to establish the diagnosis:
- consultation with a surgeon
- abdominal ultrasound
- blood tests
- liver function tests
- assessment of gallbladder contractility (when indicated)
- computed tomography or MRI if necessary
- gastroscopy and other tests to rule out coexisting conditions
How is chronic acalculous cholecystitis treated?
Treatment depends on the cause of the disease, the severity of symptoms, and the examination results.
Options may include:
- dietary changes
- medication
- treatment of coexisting conditions
- follow-up monitoring
- laparoscopic cholecystectomy when there are clear indications
Surgical treatment
Surgery is recommended only after it has been confirmed that the gallbladder is the cause of the symptoms.
At MSI we perform:
- laparoscopic cholecystectomy
- cholecystectomy for impaired gallbladder function
- surgical treatment after unsuccessful conservative therapy
During surgery, we follow modern principles of safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which minimize the risk of complications.
Recovery after treatment
After laparoscopic cholecystectomy, most patients stay in hospital for one day.
Thanks to modern ERAS protocols, recovery is fast, and a return to normal life is possible within a few days.
Why choose MSI
- Comprehensive diagnostics before determining the indications for surgery
- Treatment based on the principles of evidence-based medicine
- Extensive experience in laparoscopic gallbladder surgery
- An individual approach to every patient
- Enhanced recovery protocols (ERAS)
- Comprehensive support at every stage of treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Unlike gallstone disease, surgical treatment is not indicated for every patient. First, the diagnosis must be confirmed, other causes of the symptoms ruled out, and the effectiveness of conservative treatment assessed.
The cause may be impaired gallbladder contractility, chronic inflammation, or functional disorders of the biliary system. That is why a comprehensive examination is important.
In many cases, symptoms can be controlled with medication, lifestyle changes, and treatment of coexisting conditions. If these methods are ineffective, surgical treatment is considered.
Once the diagnosis is correctly established and the treatment strategy is tailored, most patients achieve a significant improvement in well-being and quality of life. If cholecystectomy is performed for well-founded indications, symptoms related to gallbladder disease usually disappear completely.