
General Surgery Clinic DRHC Dubai
Read: What is gallbladder disease? When or why should a person have their gallbladder removed?
A perforated gallbladder occurs when the gallbladder wall develops a tear or hole, usually due to severe inflammation or infection (cholecystitis). This is a serious condition that can lead to infection in the abdominal cavity.
Symptoms include severe and sudden abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, and sometimes signs of shock (rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure).
Diagnosis involves physical examination, blood tests to detect infection, and imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scan to confirm the perforation and evaluate complications.
Treatment is urgent and usually involves hospitalization, IV antibiotics, and surgical intervention—most commonly laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy—to remove the gallbladder and clean any infection in the abdomen.
A perforated gallbladder can lead to severe infection (peritonitis) or sepsis, which can be life-threatening. Immediate medical care at DRHC significantly reduces complications and improves recovery outcomes.