Cholecystitis and perioperative careCholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped sac located under the right liver. The function of the gallbladder is to store digestive bile, constantly produced by the liver. Bile helps with the digestion of fats and the absorption of certain vitamins. A healthy gallbladder empties when fatty foods enter the duodenum to help break down large fat particles into smaller ones. In most cases, cholecystitis is caused by a blockage or stone in the gallbladder. “Approximately 90% of cholecystitis is caused by gallstones, often blocked by the cystic duct” (Baldwin 2008). Bile becomes trapped in the gallbladder and causes pressure and irritation. Gallstones are primarily composed of cholesterol. Solid lumps develop when stored bile crystallizes. Other gallbladder stones may be composed of calcium salts or bilirubin, the end product of red blood cell destruction. Research indicates that gallstone disease is the most common abdominal reason for hospitalization. Risk factors known to increase gallstone formation include: being female, rapid weight loss and fasting, diabetes, and certain medications. Medicines such as oral contraceptives and cholesterol-lowering drugs. It is imperative that “nurses have a broad understanding of cholecystitis and the surgical procedure, to ensure that patients are cared for not only empathetically but also safely and effectively” (Graham 2008). Signs and symptoms of acute cholecystitis include sudden pain and tenderness in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. This pain may radiate to the right shoulder and...... middle of paper ...... receive practical discharge instructions and information on pain management, wound care, returning to daily activities and monitoring of their primary care. doctor. This article focused on patient care after treatment for cholecystitis. As a nurse working in a medical-surgical unit, effective perioperative assessment and well-managed postoperative care can contribute to patient success. Works Cited Baldwin, S. (2008). Gallbladder disease: imaging and treatment. Radiological Technology, 80(2), 131.Graham, L. (2008). Management of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Nursing Standard, 23(7), 41-48. What to do if you have gallstones. (2011). Harvard Women's Health Watch, 18(7), 6-7. Gaby, A. (2009). Nutritional approaches to gallstone prevention and treatment. Alternative medicine review, 14(3), 258-267.