Rough Gallbladder Wall: What Does It Mean And How To Manage It

The gallbladder is an organ responsible for storing bile produced by the liver. Under normal conditions, the gallbladder wall is very thin—typically measuring between 0.2 to 0.3 cm. However, when chronic inflammation occurs, the gallbladder wall may thicken due to swelling and changes in the inner mucosal lining. This thickening and rough appearance of the gallbladder wall is often a sign of chronic cholecystitis (long-term gallbladder inflammation).

In many cases, a rough gallbladder wall may be detected during an ultrasound or other imaging tests, even when the patient is not experiencing any symptoms. If no symptoms are present, treatment may not be immediately necessary. Instead, lifestyle and dietary modifications can be effective. Maintaining a regular eating schedule, avoiding overeating, and choosing healthier food options can help regulate bile flow and potentially reduce gallbladder wall irregularities over time.

However, if symptoms such as upper abdominal pain after meals, bloating, or indigestion occur, further evaluation is recommended. One common diagnostic step is a gallbladder contraction study, which assesses how well the gallbladder empties bile. If the gallbladder's contraction function is impaired, it may indicate a more serious condition that requires medical attention.

In such cases, it is important to consult with a specialist in hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases. Depending on the severity of the condition and the presence of symptoms, surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) may be considered. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are key to preventing complications related to gallbladder disease.