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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Collapsed Gallbladder?

My father is diagnosed with collapsed gallbladder and I don't know the meaning? Reason? And treatment for it? Is it an emergency thing? Should we rush to hospital? What's the speciality of the doctor should I go to? Gastrointologist or general physicians?
Please advice
Tue, 11 Oct 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome to HCM.
I appreciate your concern for your beloved father.
A "collapsed gallbladder" refers to a condition in which the gallbladder remains in a prolonged deflated (contracted) state.
Under normal circumstances, the gallbladder expands as it fills with bile from the liver. When bile (secretion from the liver) is needed for digestion of fats, the gallbladder contracts, squeezing the bile into the small intestine. At this stage, it appears deflated. If the gallbladder is unable to expand to receive fresh bile, it is then said to be collapsed.
It can also be due to chronic cholecystitis (inflammation of the gall bladder) caused by gallstones. Rarely, it can also be due to a ruptured gallbladder, a life-threatening condition which needs to be surgically treated.
You need to consult a surgical gastroenterologist for further evaluation.
Hope this answers your query.
Kindly rate this answer if you are convinced.

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What Causes Collapsed Gallbladder?

Hi & Welcome to HCM. I appreciate your concern for your beloved father. A collapsed gallbladder refers to a condition in which the gallbladder remains in a prolonged deflated (contracted) state. Under normal circumstances, the gallbladder expands as it fills with bile from the liver. When bile (secretion from the liver) is needed for digestion of fats, the gallbladder contracts, squeezing the bile into the small intestine. At this stage, it appears deflated. If the gallbladder is unable to expand to receive fresh bile, it is then said to be collapsed. It can also be due to chronic cholecystitis (inflammation of the gall bladder) caused by gallstones. Rarely, it can also be due to a ruptured gallbladder, a life-threatening condition which needs to be surgically treated. You need to consult a surgical gastroenterologist for further evaluation. Hope this answers your query. Kindly rate this answer if you are convinced.