Gallbladder and frequency therapy

**Encyclopaedia entry: Gallbladder** **Definition:** The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located below the liver on the right side of the abdomen. It stores and concentrates the bile produced by the liver, a fluid necessary for the digestion of fats. **Anatomy and function:** - **Location:** The gallbladder lies beneath the liver and is connected to the duodenum via the bile duct. - **Function:** The main function of the gallbladder is to store bile and release it into the small intestine when needed to aid in the digestion of fats. Bile emulsifies fats, making them easier for digestive enzymes to break down. **Diseases:** - **Gallstones (cholelithiasis):** Solid deposits that form in the gallbladder and can cause pain, inflammation or infection. - **Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis):** An inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by gallstones, which can lead to severe abdominal pain, fever and nausea. - **Cholangitis:** An infection of the bile ducts that can be caused by gallstones or other blockages. - **Gallbladder cancer:** A rare but serious disease that is often only diagnosed at an advanced stage. **Diagnosis:** - **Ultrasound:** Commonly used imaging technique for detecting gallstones and inflammation. - **CT or MRI:** For detailed examination of the gallbladder and surrounding structures. - **Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP):** A procedure to examine and treat problems in the bile ducts. **Treatment:** - **Medication:** To relieve pain and inflammation or to dissolve certain types of gallstones. - **Surgery:** Cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder, is a common treatment for symptomatic gallstones. - **Endoscopic procedures:** To remove gallstones from the bile ducts. **Prevention:** - Healthy diet with a balance of fats, fibre and cholesterol. - Regular physical activity to aid digestion and metabolism. - Weight control to reduce the risk of gallstones Weight control to reduce the risk of gallstones. **Lessons to know:** - The gallbladder is not essential to life, and many people live without major problems after having their gallbladder removed. - Gallstones are one of the most common diseases of the gallbladder and affect millions of people worldwide. **Research:** Research on the gallbladder focuses on the causes and prevention of gallstones, improving surgical techniques to remove the gallbladder and developing new treatments for gallbladder disease.