Acalculous Cholecystitis diagnosis

[Carl22]

My mother-in-law who is 66 has just been diagnosed with acalculous cholecystitis but there are no gallstones present. The doctor performed an ultrasound to determine this. And he said to do HIDA test now, things may not show up.

She is also diabetic.

She has had only one attack. And she was on antibiotics and infection medicine for one week and things seems to have cleared up.

The specialist wants to operate on her, by removing her Gallbladder. She is afraid of any operation. She said she will go on a low fat diet.
How serious is it? What are her chances if she does not have this operation? Are the test conclusive? And can she go any diet to avoid surgery?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Acalculous cholecystitis can be caused by a low gallbladder ejection fraction.  This can be diagnosed with a HIDA scan with CCK stimlulation.

Studies have shown that removing the gallbladder in these cases may help with the symptoms - although there is no guarantee.

It is unlikely that diet would help if the ejection fraction is low.  

If there is concern about the treatment course, another surgical opinion can be obtained.  

This option can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[sarahsmiles]

Hi! Im new to this forum. I am scheduled for gallbladder surgery tomorrow. I too, have had very unusual bouts with this kind of pain. I had the hida scan which showed the low ejection fraction and also that it does not contract properly after fat intake. I have gone over and over the solutions to the problem and removal seems like the best option. When you look at what your faced with...possible attacks with pain, possible stone formation and digestive issues, I think the surgey is the best option at least for me.  I am very nervous about the surgery because I have never had sugery (im 31) but I think that its the only fail-safe way to remove the problem. Its just my oppinion though. Thanks, Sarah

[yarm]

I was recently diagnosed with acalculous cholecystitis as well and was told that the removal of my gallbladder may help the symptoms but like you say, is not a guarantee which I don't understand.

What exactly is acalculous cholecystitis?  What causes it, how do we get it and what other actions could be taken to cure the problem?