Disorders of the Gallbladder and Appendix

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to disorders of the gallbladder and appendix, facilitating effective study and recall.

Gallbladder

A pear-shaped organ that stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver.

Cholelithiasis

The formation of gallstones within the gallbladder.

1. Pathogenesis

   • Primarily caused by an imbalance in bile composition, leading to the supersaturation of cholesterol or bilirubin.

2. Symptoms

   • Often remains asymptomatic; however, it can cause biliary colic, which is intermittent pain in the RUQ.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder often caused by gallstone obstruction.

1. Pathogenesis
   • Occurs when a stone obstructs the cystic duct, causing bile stasis, gallbladder distension, and subsequent inflammation.
2. Symptoms
   • Persistent and severe RUQ pain, Murphy's Sign, fever, and leukocytosis.

Appendix

A narrow, tubular structure attached to the cecum that contains lymphoid tissue.

Acute Appendicitis

Inflammation of the appendix, commonly due to luminal obstruction.

1. Pathogenesis
   • Initiated by the obstruction of the appendiceal lumen (often by a fecalith), leading to increased pressure, bacterial overgrowth, and ischemia.
2. Symptoms
   • Classic periumbilical pain that migrates to the RLQ, anorexia, nausea, and rebound tenderness.

Common Bile Duct (CBD)

The duct that conveys bile from the gallbladder and liver to the duodenum.

Cholangitis

A bacterial infection of the biliary tract usually resulting from obstruction.

1. Pathogenesis
   • Caused by biliary stasis (due to stones or strictures) providing a medium for ascending infection by flora like E. coli.
2. Symptoms
   • Charcot's Triad, which include RUQ pain, fever, and jaundice.

Murphy's Sign

A clinical test used to diagnose gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis). It involves pain during inhalation when the examiner palpates the right upper quadrant, indicating a potentially inflamed gallbladder.

McBurney's Point

A point located at 1/3 the distance from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the umbilicus; it is the most common site of pain in Acute Appendicitis.

Bile Composition

A complex fluid containing bile salts, cholesterol, bilirubin, and phospholipids used for the emulsification of fats.

Estrogen

A hormone that increases the risk of cholesterol gallstone formation by stimulating the secretion of cholesterol into the bile.

Rebound Tenderness (blumberg)

Pain experienced upon the sudden release of pressure on the abdomen, suggesting peritoneal irritation or inflammation.

Necrosis

Premature tissue death resulting from severe inflammation, loss of blood supply, or prolonged obstruction.

E. coli

The most common gram-negative bacterium (Escherichia coli) isolated from infections related to Cholecystitis and Cholangitis.

Choledocholithiasis

The presence of one or more gallstones in the common bile duct (CBD).

1. Pathogenesis
   • Gallstones migrate from the gallbladder through the cystic duct into the CBD, causing biliary obstruction.
2. Symptoms
   • Obstructive jaundice, dark (tea-colored) urine, and acholic (pale) stools.

Appendectomy

The surgical removal of the appendix, which is the standard treatment for Acute Appendicitis.