The W.O. Frohring Family Resource Center
Part of Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, this center has a resource library with information on parenting, breastfeeding, sibling relationships and much more. Materials may be borrowed for a limited time within the hospital, and copying services are available.
Patients who have recently given birth at MacDonald Women’s Hospital find the library to be an excellent source on topics relating to newborns and their parents. The Frohring Family Resource Center supports a caring and effective partnership between families and their healthcare team by providing general assistance on baby care and health-related issues. You can learn more about the Center on the Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital website. Community residents are also welcome to visit or call the center for information.
Health Encyclopedia
Gallbladder disease
Gallbladder disease includes inflammation, infection, stones, or blockage (obstruction) of the gallbladder.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors |
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The gallbladder is a sac located under the liver. It stores and concentrates bile produced in the liver. Bile aids in the digestion of fat, and is released from the gallbladder into the upper small intestine (duodenum) in response to food (especially fats).
Types of gallbladder disease include:
- Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
- Gallstones (cholelithiasis)
- Chronic acalculous gallbladder disease (in which the natural movements needed to empty the gallbladder do not work well)
- Gangrene or abscesses
- Growths of tissue (polyps) in the gallbladder
- Defects of the gallbladder that are present at birth (congenital)
- Sclerosing cholangitis
- Tumors of the gallbladder and bile ducts
Review Date:
7/6/2009
Reviewd By:
George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.