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Gallbladder

Gallbladder

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that plays a crucial role in our digestive system. Measuring about 10 cm in length, it is comparable in size to a kiwi fruit and is located in a hollow area on the lower surface of the liver. The gallbladder's primary function is to store and concentrate bile, a fluid produced by the liver that aids in digestion.
The gallbladder's anatomy consists of three regions: the fundus, body, and neck. Extending from the neck, the cystic duct joins the common...

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...

Bile

Bile

Bile is a crucial bodily fluid, characterized by its yellow-green color and alkaline nature. Produced in the liver, it is transported through the common hepatic duct into either the cystic duct, leading to the gallbladder, or directly into the common bile duct. The flow of bile is regulated by the sphincter of Oddi located at the entrance of the duodenum. When this sphincter is closed, bile is redirected to the gallbladder for storage and concentration.
Bile is released when dietary fats enter...

Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder

Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder

Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...

Appendicitis

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...

Accessory Organs

Accessory Organs

Accessory organs are those that participate in the digestion of food but do not come into direct contact with it like the mouth, stomach, or intestine do. Accessory organs secrete enzymes into the digestive tract to facilitate the breakdown of food.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation

Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation

Published on: September 22, 2023

[Polyps of the gallbladder].

¹Universitätsklinik für Allgemeine Innere Medizin, Inselspital, Universitätsspital Bern, Bern. andreas.oestmann@insel.ch

|April 27, 2012

Summary

Gallbladder polyps are common ultrasound findings. Larger polyps (>1 cm) often require gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy), while smaller ones need monitoring to assess malignancy risk.

Area of Science:

Gastroenterology
Surgical Oncology
Diagnostic Imaging

Context:

Gallbladder polyps are frequently discovered incidentally during abdominal ultrasounds.
Distinguishing between benign cholesterol polyps and potentially malignant adenomas is challenging via ultrasound.
Polyp size is the primary factor determining clinical significance and management strategy.

Purpose:

To review the clinical significance of gallbladder polyps.
To establish management guidelines based on polyp size and malignancy potential.
To differentiate between neoplastic and non-neoplastic gallbladder lesions.

Summary:

Ultrasound is commonly used to detect gallbladder polyps, which can be benign or malignant.
Maximal polyp diameter is the most reliable indicator for malignancy risk when morphological discrimination is not possible.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 22, 2026

Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation

Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation

Published on: September 22, 2023

Surgical intervention (cholecystectomy) is recommended for polyps exceeding 1 cm, while smaller polyps warrant surveillance.

Impact:

Provides a clear guideline for managing gallbladder polyps based on size.
Reduces unnecessary interventions for benign polyps.
Facilitates early detection and treatment of potentially malignant gallbladder neoplasms.