Cholecystitis Treatments
You will likely be admitted to a hospital to rest your gallbladder. You may need surgery to remove your gallbladder.
In the hospital your treatment may include:
- Taking bacteria-fighting medicines (antibiotics) to fight the infection
- Taking fluids and pain medicines by IV (through a vein or intravenously)
- Keeping your stomach empty until your symptoms ease
Your symptoms may get better with this treatment.
But if your cholecystitis is caused by gallstones in your gallbladder, your gallbladder will need to be removed. Gallbladder removal (called cholecystectomy) is a common surgery. Your body will work well without your gallbladder. It is not essential for a healthy life.
You may have surgery done right away. If you are too sick to have surgery, a small tube may be put through your skin and into your gallbladder. This will drain the bile and ease your symptoms until you can have surgery.
Other treatment options may include:
- Oral dissolution therapy. Medicines made from bile acid are used to dissolve the stones
- Medicines. These are used to prevent gallstones from forming
- Low-fat diet. When you are allowed to eat food again