Can Your Gallbladder Burst? What You Need to Know

Can Your Gallbladder Burst? What You Need to Know

Did you know your gallbladder can burst? It may sound like something that may surprise you, but it's true. The moment it happens; it is quite dangerous and even life-threatening.

Most gallbladder problems get resolved timely, when caught at an early stage. In case your gallbladder bursts, you may need urgent medical care.

In this blog, you will understand about gallbladder rupture, the reason behind its occurrence, and what actions you should take when it happens.

What Is a Gallbladder Rupture?

Your gallbladder is a small pouch-like organ found under your liver. Its main role is to store a bile juice that helps in digesting fats. In most cases, there are silent symptoms. Sometimes, gallstones or other issues can create blockage or inflammation. It is the reason why gallbladder pain or issues should not be ignored, as there are more chances of serious complications.

What Causes the Gallbladder to Burst?

The most common reason behind gallbladder burst is inflammation, mostly caused by gallstones. The other causes for the gallbladder to burst are:

Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections such as E.coli or Streptococcus can cause severe inflammation leading to gallbladder rupture.

Biliary Sludge

In this case, bile juice and particles get clogged, creating pressure that can lead to rupture.

Parasitic Infections

Parasitic infections, like ascariasis from intestinal worms, can cause inflammation and rupture.

Blunt Injury

Blunt injury from accidents, falls, or contact sports can directly cause gallbladder rupture.

What Does a Gallbladder Rupture Look Like?

A ruptured gallbladder is quickly identified as it causes strong and visible symptoms as mentioned below:

• Pain in the upper right part of the belly - Often severe and persistent
• Nausea and vomiting - Common symptoms accompanying the pain
• Fever or chills - Indicating infection
• Yellowishness in skin or eyes - Jaundice, a sign of bile leakage

A few times, pain gets intense at first and then slightly goes away. Still, it does not mean that the problem is not there. As bile juice leaks into the abdomen, the pain usually gets back—even it even goes worse than before. These signs should not be ignored at any cost.

Read More: When is The Right Time for Gallbladder Surgery?

How is it Diagnosed by Doctors?

Gallbladder rupture symptoms are quite similar to usual gallbladder inflammation. Doctors use various diagnostic methods to confirm the condition:

Image Tests

• Ultrasound of the abdomen - First-line imaging to detect gallbladder issues
• CT scan - Provides detailed images of the gallbladder and surrounding areas
• HIDA scan - A special test that tracks how bile flows through the gallbladder

Blood Tests

• High white blood cell count - Indicates infection
• High CRP (C-reactive protein) - Marker of inflammation
• High ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) - Another inflammation marker

By taking these tests, you can get clear information about the current status and confirm about infection or a possible rupture.

What Is the Right Treatment for Gallbladder Rupture?

The best treatment for gallbladder rupture is to identify the problem before the gallbladder bursts. When it has already ruptured, urgent surgery is required.

Gallbladder Removal Surgery (Cholecystectomy)

At this stage, the gallbladder needs to be removed by a specialist gallbladder surgeon through gallbladder surgery. In many cases, laparoscopic surgery is performed.

Benefits of laparoscopic surgery:

• Smaller cuts
• Less pain
• Faster healing
• Fewer complications

Read More: 6 Questions to Ask Before Gallbladder Surgery

What Happens After Surgery is Performed?

Post-surgery, patients may require:

• Antibiotics - To treat or prevent infection
• Pain relief medicines - To manage post-operative discomfort
• Low-fat diet - To aid digestion and recovery
• Instructions for taking care of stitches at home - For proper wound healing

Most patients may recover and return to their daily life activities within a couple of weeks after surgery.

Post-Gallbladder Removal Surgery?

In case gallbladder rupture is detected timely and treated on time, patients get a smoother recovery. Most patients can perform well post-surgery and get back to their usual routine. However, complications may occur when treatment is postponed or a rupture happens in the gallbladder.

Early diagnosis and expert medical care are crucial, as the situation can even be life-threatening. At Habilite Clinics, we offer the same at affordable pricing.

Read More: How to Recover After Gallbladder Surgery?

What Happens if a Gallbladder Burst Is Ignored?

A burst gallbladder is a serious case. Bile juice is meant to flow inside the gallbladder and intestines, not inside the belly. When bile juice leaks, it can cause:

Peritonitis

Infection of the abdominal lining, which can be severe and life-threatening.

Sepsis

It's a severe infection that can spread all around the body, leading to organ failure and death if not treated promptly.

When left untreated, these conditions can become life-threatening.

Complications are more likely to happen with people having the following issues:

• Weak immune systems
• Delayed diagnosis or treatment
• Widespread infection

Early surgical intervention is the only key. At Habilite Clinics, Dr. Kapil Agrawal provides complete guidance regarding gallbladder removal surgery.

Why Choose Habilite Clinics?

At Habilite Clinics, we have an expert medical team lead by Dr. Kapil Agrawal that can resolve gallbladder issues effectively with its wide experience of performing hundreds of gallbladder removal surgeries with positive outcomes.

We provide:

• Advanced diagnostics - To identify problems early
• Minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgery - For faster recovery
• Expert care - Offered by Dr. Kapil Agrawal, a leading expert in gallbladder surgeries
• Excellent post-surgery care and guidance - For long-term benefits

The medical team at Habilite Clinics is dedicated to assisting you from diagnosis to complete recovery with compassion, skill, and precision.

Conclusion

A ruptured gallbladder is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Early diagnosis and timely surgery can prevent life-threatening complications. At Habilite Clinics, Dr. Kapil Agrawal ensures expert treatment with advanced surgical techniques and compassionate care, helping patients recover safely and return to a healthy, active life.

For more details, book your consultation today at Habilite Clinics.