Irregular Eating Habits Led to Gallbladder Inflammation in a 75-Year-Old Man
A 75-year-old male patient visited our hospital due to persistent upper abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and acid reflux. Despite self-medicating at home, his symptoms did not improve, prompting him to seek professional medical care. After a series of diagnostic tests, he was diagnosed with chronic cholecystitis accompanied by gallbladder stones. He underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and was treated with omeprazole for concurrent gastrointestinal conditions. His recovery was smooth, and he was discharged after a 5-day hospital stay with a follow-up plan for three months.
Key Information:
- Age: 75
- Gender: Male
- Condition: Cholecystitis with gallbladder stones
- Hospital: First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University
- Treatment: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and medication
- Recovery Time: 5 days inpatient, 3 months outpatient follow-up
Initial Consultation and Symptoms
The patient had a history of diabetes for over seven years and poor dietary habits. One month prior to the visit, he began experiencing a significant loss of appetite, fatigue, intermittent upper abdominal pain, dark urine, and skin itching. He also suffered from occasional acid reflux and heartburn. Despite taking over-the-counter medication, his symptoms did not improve. Upon examination, blood tests showed no abnormalities, but gastroscopy revealed reflux esophagitis and chronic non-atrophic gastritis. An abdominal ultrasound showed thickened gallbladder walls and fine floating particles, indicating chronic cholecystitis with gallbladder sludge.
Medical Intervention and Surgical Decision
After admission, the patient underwent a complete medical evaluation. Although his family was initially hesitant about surgery due to his age and diabetic condition, they were informed of the risks associated with untreated gallstones, such as pancreatitis and bile duct obstruction. After discussing the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, the family agreed to proceed with laparoscopic gallbladder removal. Post-surgery, the patient was monitored closely and prescribed omeprazole to manage his gastrointestinal symptoms.
Positive Recovery Outcome
The surgery was successful, and the patient recovered well with stable vital signs and normal wound healing. Five days post-operation, he was discharged with normal lab results and reported the disappearance of abdominal pain and improved appetite. While his gallbladder issues were resolved, he continued medication for reflux esophagitis. A follow-up visit one month later confirmed full wound healing.
Post-Operative Care and Recommendations
Given his diabetic background, the patient was advised to maintain regular meal times and avoid overeating to support both blood sugar control and post-surgical recovery. He was also instructed to keep the wound dry until fully healed and avoid spicy or irritating foods. If itching occurred around the wound, he was warned not to scratch to prevent infection.
Diet Plays a Critical Role in Gallbladder Health
This case highlights the strong link between irregular eating patterns and gallbladder disease. Poor hydration, skipping meals, and excessive consumption of fatty foods can all contribute to gallbladder inflammation. To prevent such conditions, it's essential to adopt healthy eating habits—eating balanced meals regularly, avoiding oily foods, and staying well-hydrated. Maintaining a consistent and nutritious diet is key to long-term digestive health and disease prevention.