K81.0 Acute cholecystitis

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Acute Cholecystitis

#### Summary
Acute cholecystitis is the sudden inflammation of the gallbladder, often resulting from a blockage, usually by gallstones. It leads to pain in the upper right abdomen and requires prompt medical attention.

#### Causes
The most common cause of acute cholecystitis is gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to inflammation. Other causes include tumors, severe illness, or infections causing bile flow obstruction.

#### Risk Factors
- Being overweight or obese
- Female gender
- Age over 40
- Pregnancy
- Sudden weight loss
- Diabetes
- Certain ethnicities, such as Native American

#### Symptoms
- Severe pain in the upper right abdomen
- Pain that may radiate to the right shoulder or back
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Tenderness over the abdomen when touched

#### Diagnosis
- Physical examination
- Ultrasound imaging
- Blood tests to check for infection or inflammation
- HIDA scan for evaluating gallbladder function

#### Treatment Options
- Antibiotics to manage infection
- Pain relief medications
- Dietary modifications, such as avoiding fatty foods
- Surgical options, generally laparoscopic cholecystectomy, to remove the gallbladder if necessary

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
With appropriate treatment, most individuals recover completely, especially those who undergo gallbladder removal. Regular follow-up is essential to ensure complete recovery and to monitor for any signs of complications.

#### Complications
- Gallbladder rupture
- Bacterial infection of the bile duct system
- Necrosis of the gallbladder tissue
- Pancreatitis due to blocked bile ducts

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Regular exercise
- Eating a balanced diet rich in fiber and low in processed fats
- Gradual weight loss for those trying to reduce weight

#### When to Seek Professional Help
Seek urgent medical help if experiencing severe abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, or symptoms of shock such as rapid heartbeat or confusion.

#### Additional Resources
- American College of Gastroenterology (ACG): [Website](https://gi.org/)
- Gallbladder and Bile Duct Cancer Support Group: [Website](https://www.gbdcancer.org/)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure accurate site and cause verification: identify if it's acute or chronic.
- Avoid confusion with non-inflammatory gallbladder conditions.

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