Cholecystitis And Its Impact On Liver Function

In most cases, cholecystitis does not affect a patient's liver function. This means that all liver function indicators, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin, remain within normal ranges. Patients may not experience any significant changes in liver enzymes or bilirubin levels during routine blood tests.

However, in severe cases of cholecystitis—especially when the infection is intense or the condition has persisted for a long time—liver function can be impacted. Elevated levels of ALT and AST are often observed, along with increased bilirubin levels. These changes may suggest some degree of hepatic involvement and require careful medical evaluation. In such situations, immediate surgery is generally not recommended due to the increased risk of complications, including liver damage, intra-abdominal bleeding, or bile leakage.

Moreover, impaired liver function can affect the body's ability to recover and may interfere with normal blood clotting mechanisms. This increases the likelihood of complications both during and after surgical procedures. Therefore, it is crucial to stabilize liver function and manage inflammation before considering any surgical intervention.

If bilirubin levels are elevated, further diagnostic tests should be conducted to rule out other underlying conditions affecting the bile ducts. It is important to investigate whether there are additional issues such as bile duct stones or tumors that may be contributing to the abnormal liver function tests. Addressing these potential causes is essential for effective treatment and long-term recovery.