Gallbladder in human beings is a pear-shaped organ on the right side of the abdomen concerned with storing of digestive juices before they get released into the small intestine. Sometimes, gallstones or hardened deposits develop within the gallbladder and are formed of digestive fluid. They are of two principal types – Cholesterol gallstones (yellow and made of undissolved cholesterol) and pigment gallstone (dark brown or black, developed from bile content). They may vary in size from as small as grains of sand to a big golf ball. Few individuals develop only one gallstone, while others have many such inclusions in their gallbladder.

Risks if gallstones are not treated in time
Usually, gallstones do not cause any symptoms unless they get lodged in the bile duct and block the system. However, it is necessary to undergo regular check-up and screening process for gallstones so that they do not give rise to severe complications.

Detailed below are some of the risks that will occur if individuals do not get their gallstones treated in time.

Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is a condition when the gallbladder becomes inflamed due to building up of bile juice. It usually occurs when gallstones prevent bile content from draining away from the organ at regular intervals. The bladder wall becomes irritated and gets stretched out in this condition. Bacteria may also start growing in the bile juice within the inflamed gallbladder. Patients experience intense pain along with very high temperature and chills. The upper abdomen becomes tight and very tender to touch. In some instances, the pain may even radiate to the right shoulder.

If immediate medical attention is not provided, it may further lead to pus formation in the bladder, and it may even start degenerating. If the infection spreads to the blood capillaries, it may lead to septicemia, which can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Porcelain gallbladder
It is a sporadic condition where individuals develop thickened and calcified gallbladder wall. In this case, the organ loses its normal functioning and can no longer contract and drain out the bile juice from its body. It may also develop irregular calcifications which may later transform into gallbladder cancer. Studies show that 7 out of 100 patients have a risk of gallbladder cancer if they suffer from porcelain gallbladder.

Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is also a severe complication of gallstones where the stones block the common duct shared by pancreas and gallbladder. Here, the pancreatic enzyme can no longer drain out from the system and thereby attack the pancreas itself. Patients experience severe epigastric pain along with nausea and vomiting. It can be a life-threatening medical issue; however, timely treatment often reverses the condition.

Gallbladder perforation
This condition develops when there is a hole in the wall of the gallbladder. It can be a complication of pericholecystic abscess or pus formation within the bladder. It is also a fatal condition and requires immediate cholecystectomy.

These are the risks of not treating gallstones in time. So consult a doctor at the earliest when you notice symptoms to prevent fatalities.