Hydrops Gallbladder?

elthia · Aug 31, 2005

I just found out that one of the problems with my late unlamented gallbladder was a condition called "Hydrops gallbladder". I've been a nurse for quite a while, but I've never heard of this before.........does anyone know what this is or what causes it?

From my understanding, you basically had an obstruction, so your gallbladder filled up with mucous like material.

Editorial Team / Admin · Aug 31, 2005

I just found out that one of the problems with my late unlamented gallbladder was a condition called "Hydrops gallbladder". I've been a nurse for quite a while, but I've never heard of this before.........does anyone know what this is or what causes it?

Hydrops gallbladder is actually mucocele gallbladder. Usually this is a massive dilatation of the GBD by an impacted stone without cholecystitis. Normally the individual has no symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, etc, but, will have much discomfort. The gallbladder usally contains sludge-like material.

This can be brought on by dehydration and fasting as well as stone obstruction.

Glad you do not have that thing any longer, Marla. :balloons:

suzanne4, RN · Aug 31, 2005

Glad that it is now in pathology and not in you.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Aug 31, 2005

Never heard of the term.

Googled: http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic2817.htm

suzanne4, RN · Aug 31, 2005

It is fairly common in the surgical world.

suebird3 · Sep 3, 2005

I never heard of the term either. Good grief, MJ! :eek: Now you are scaring the bejeezus outta me! I had a GB attack in Feb., and resisted surgery -- for now. I think I can wait.....

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Sep 3, 2005

I never heard of the term either. Good grief, MJ! Now you are scaring the bejeezus outta me! I had a GB attack in Feb., and resisted surgery -- for now. I think I can wait.....

Trust me, you don't want to wait!! My GB was basically dead, and the surgeon told dh that it was a good thing she got it out before it became necrotic and brought on a nice raging case of peritonitis. If you've got a non-functioning GB, believe me, you're way better off with it gone........the surgery itself is NO big deal, there's very little pain, and it takes no time at all to feel 110% better. I went to an all-day party only 2 days post-op, was working in the garden on my 4th post-op day, and went back to work a mere week after my surgery. And I had a hernia repair and partial omentectomy to boot! :)

I'm totally serious about this. I haven't felt this good in a year.........I've been ailing with one thing or another since January, and I wasn't doing particularly well before that. But I didn't know how bad things really were until I stopped feeling lousy, and that was about 2 hours after waking up from my lap chole.

If surgery has been recommended to you, you should reconsider 'waiting'. You have nothing to lose but your gallbladder and a lot of misery!

suebird3 · Sep 3, 2005

MJ....so far, so good. I believe I had a "mild" case, brought on by stress, being over-worked (at the time), and just being an all around goon. :rotfl: I am an awful patient. I am presently behaving myself, and trying (note: TRYING) to eat a bit more sensibly.

Until next post...Suebird