Clinical Nutrition

Lesson 20: Cholecystitis and Cholelithiasis

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis results from a low grade chronic infection leading to inflammation of the gall bladder. Changes in the gall bladder mucosa which affect its absorptive powers are brought about by the infection. Under normal circumstances, the cholesterol in bile, which is insoluble in water, is made soluble by the action of other substances like bile acids. During infection and the resulting mucosal changes, the solubility ratios of the bile ingredients are changed.

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, usually resulting from a gallstone blocking the cystic duct.
Cholelithias is the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder.