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Gallbladder deformity
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

In fact, gallbladder deformation is not considered a disease: it is only a symptom, a congenital or acquired feature of the organ.
Of course, patients with such a diagnosis need to monitor their diet, digestive and physical activity, etc. more carefully than others. You will find more detailed information about this condition of the gallbladder in our article.
ICD 10 code
The ICD 10th revision is a unified list for classifying diseases and maintaining statistics on patient requests for medical care. The next revision of this register is planned for 2015.
Gallbladder deformity can be noted in ICD 10 in the following categories:
- Q44 – congenital defect or malformation of the biliary tract;
- Q44.1 - other congenital defects of gallbladder;
- K82 - other diseases of the gallbladder;
- K82.0 – stenosis of gallbladder or ducts, not associated with stone formation;
- K82.9 – Disease of gallbladder, unspecified.
Causes of gallbladder deformation
There can be quite a lot of reasons and factors that precede gallbladder deformation. Usually, such reasons are divided into those that were formed before birth, and those that appeared later.
Congenital deformation of the gallbladder may appear as a result of any disturbances in the intrauterine development of the future child. The cause may be a hereditary predisposition, as well as the lifestyle of the pregnant woman: abuse of nicotine, alcoholic beverages, excessive physical activity.
The following are considered as causes of acquired deformation of the gallbladder:
- chronic inflammatory process of the biliary tract;
- stones in the gallbladder or ducts;
- systematic overeating, alternating strict diets (when relative starvation is followed by bouts of gluttony), eating disorders;
- excessive physical stress on the abdominal muscles;
- adhesive process;
- weakening of the diaphragm;
- diseases of the digestive system;
- biliary dyskinesia;
- malignant and benign neoplasms.
Deformation of the gallbladder may also be age-related: elderly patients may experience prolapse of some internal organs, including the gallbladder. This problem is especially common as a result of an abdominal wall hernia, as well as after some surgical interventions on the abdominal organs.
Symptoms of gallbladder deformity
Symptoms of gallbladder deformation depend, first of all, on the speed of development of the process.
If the deformation appears suddenly, the symptoms may be expressed as increasing pain in the area of the liver and gallbladder projection. Along with the pain, the patient's skin and mucous membranes become increasingly yellow, nausea attacks and aversion to food appear. Body temperature may increase. The liver projection area is very painful upon deep palpation. A dense yellow coating is found on examination of the tongue.
If the deformation develops gradually, then the signs of pathology may occur simultaneously with the disturbances of the bile ducts capacity due to the change in the shape of the organ. With gradually developing deformation, the following symptoms may occur:
- loss of appetite;
- discoloration of fecal matter;
- detection of fatty elements in feces;
- slow weight loss.
Patients with gradual deformation may report a persistent feeling of heaviness in the right hypochondrium, burning pain along the entire length of the small intestine, and dyspeptic disorders.
The greatest danger is necrosis of the cervical section of the gallbladder due to prolonged deformation, which can provoke tissue decomposition and the penetration of bile into the abdominal cavity. This, in turn, can cause peritonitis and death if the patient is not given timely assistance.
Where does it hurt?
Common types of gallbladder deformities
According to anatomical data, the gallbladder can be virtually divided into three sections: the neck, the fundus, and the body of the bladder. The most common deformation of the gallbladder is a bend between the body and the fundus. Such a bend is symptomatically characterized by the occurrence of nausea, increased sweating, acute pain in the hypochondrium on the right, radiating to the scapular and costal region. Changes in complexion and weight loss are possible. Failure to provide assistance in this situation can lead to extremely negative consequences, which we will discuss a little later.
Multiple deformation of the gallbladder by bending (disruption of the organ shape in several places at once) also occurs, but less frequently. Such pathology can contribute to an increase in the size of the gallbladder, the formation of calculous cholecystitis, the development of adhesions, and blood flow disorders in the liver area. The patient's condition is usually severe, with clear symptoms of dyspepsia and severe pain.
Often you can come across such a diagnosis as labile deformation of the gallbladder. Labile deformation is a temporary phenomenon that occurs during heavy physical exertion, when carrying heavy objects, and for other reasons. This disorder is usually not accompanied by any symptoms and goes away on its own after some time.
Another type of deformation that can be encountered no less frequently is the deformation of the neck of the gallbladder. Usually, this phenomenon appears against the background of sluggish chronic inflammation – cholecystitis. In this case, the inflammatory process spreads to the outer walls of the gallbladder: adhesions are formed, which lead to deformation of the organ. This condition contributes to the disorder of the digestive process and even a change in the composition of the bile secretion. Sometimes, the deformation of the neck is a complete twisting of the gallbladder around its axis. This situation can develop as a result of the prolapse of some internal organs, which can happen due to prolonged physical overload, due to the elongation of the cervical section of the gallbladder, or its sagging. Rarely, the organ is twisted in the neck area several times: this situation is considered the most critical, since it inevitably leads to a violation of blood flow in the organ.
Deformation of the gallbladder walls can occur against the background of chronic cholecystitis, which is associated with sclerotic changes in the walls of the organ, or with the development of adhesive disease in the bottom area. Deformation of the gallbladder walls is clearly visible during ultrasound diagnostics. An ultrasound specialist will notice protrusions, parietal depressions, and sometimes calcium deposits near the walls of the organ, which together affect the overall picture of the gallbladder.
Contour deformation of the gallbladder is also a type of wall deformation. The essence of this disorder is clear from the name: the contours of the organ change. Normally, the gallbladder resembles a pear-shaped formation connected to the liver by its lower part. With contour deformation, the outlines of the gallbladder change in one direction or another. This can be caused by a chronic inflammatory process in the organ, or a violation of bile excretion. As a rule, pronounced contour deformation is accompanied by pain, especially after eating, or as a result of stress or carrying heavy objects.
According to statistics, gallbladder body deformation can occur in 15% of absolutely healthy people. Often, this defect is discovered by chance and may not affect the digestion processes or the patient's well-being. However, over time, many begin to notice a violation of the motor function of the gastrointestinal tract, the formation of sediment and stones in the gallbladder, and the development of cholecystitis. The likelihood of complications is due to the nature and degree of deformation, as well as the patient's lifestyle and diet. In any case, if any of the gallbladder deformation options are detected, periodic medical observation is recommended.
And one more type of deformation that I would like to mention is the S-shaped deformation of the gallbladder. This disorder is a double bend of the organ in the shape of the letter S. Most often, this is a congenital deformation of the gallbladder, with the possibility of hereditary transmission from the mother or father of the child. Less often, an acquired S-shaped deformation occurs, which occurs due to the gallbladder growing faster than other nearby organs. This pathology does not always occur with any symptoms. The course may be hidden and not cause problems for the patient. Only in some cases, symptoms may appear: dull pain in the liver area, bitterness in the mouth, upset stool, "empty" belching. If the outflow of bile from the altered bladder is disrupted, then problems with digestion of fatty foods, flatulence, dyspepsia are possible.
Various deformations of the gallbladder are not a death sentence. The situation can be alleviated if timely measures are taken to change the diet and lifestyle in order to facilitate the work of the bile-forming and bile-excreting organs.
Gallbladder deformity in adults
Gallbladder deformation in adults can occur as a result of cholecystitis (both acute and chronic), as well as after Botkin's disease (hepatitis A). If deformation is detected in an adult, it is quite possible that it is congenital, but the patient has never been examined for biliary tract diseases before.
Such a change in the organ may not manifest itself in any way and be discovered by chance, or it may be distinguished by general standard symptoms:
- attacks of nausea and vomiting;
- pain in the epigastric region and right hypochondrium;
- flatulence;
- increased sweating;
- bowel disorder (constipation or diarrhea).
If constipation is present, this may already be an indirect sign of an inflammatory process in the gallbladder, or calculous cholecystitis (formation of stones in the organ). If symptoms are present, the disease is subject to mandatory treatment. Asymptomatic deformation is observed by a doctor, with periodic preventive ultrasound control.
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Deformation of the gallbladder in children
Recently, medical specialists have often registered gallbladder deformations in children. The disease is especially common in adolescence, when, due to prolonged stagnation, an acute inflammatory process develops simultaneously with the active growth of the body. The trigger for gallbladder deformation can be dyskinesia of the bile ducts, or the formation of sand or stone-like deposits in the biliary system.
If the deformation of the gallbladder in a child is not associated with a hereditary predisposition or congenital pathology, then the following most common causes of deformation can be identified:
- inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract;
- various diseases of the biliary system;
- stagnation or obstruction of bile flow.
Most often, the child complains of a dull aching pain under the ribs on the right, loss of appetite, a bitter taste in the mouth, periodic belching ("empty" or with the smell of rotten eggs), and bouts of nausea. The painful syndrome can be associated with food intake, especially fatty, fried, spicy dishes, as well as overeating and increased physical activity.
In the acute period of the disease, signs of intoxication may appear: joint pain, fatigue, high temperature, gray or yellowish-gray complexion, headaches. If these symptoms are detected, emergency medical assistance is required.
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Deformation of the gallbladder in a newborn
Gallbladder deformation in a newborn is usually congenital. There are frequent cases when the pathology occurs in some members of the same family and close relatives: brothers and sisters, parents and children, etc.
If we do not take into account the hereditary factor of deformation, then the cause of the change in the shape of the organ may be external influences on the fetus during pregnancy:
- taking medications prohibited during pregnancy;
- the effects of nicotine (both active and passive);
- various diseases of the expectant mother (especially in chronic form);
- regular consumption of alcoholic beverages during pregnancy.
The greatest risk of harm to the child is observed in the first trimester of pregnancy, when the digestive system of the future baby is being laid down). But in other periods of gestation, the danger of negative influence on the child is also present, although to a lesser extent.
A woman carrying a baby should feel the level of responsibility that is placed on her. This applies to both her own health and the health of the unborn child.
Consequences of gallbladder deformation
Deformation of an organ is a violation of its shape, therefore the consequences of deformation of the gallbladder directly depend on the degree of change in shape, on how much this change affects the functions of the gallbladder, and also on what symptoms this process gives.
If the deformation affects the excretion of bile secretion, then bile stasis may develop. This, in turn, can serve as a good basis for the formation of an inflammatory reaction in the organ, with subsequent formation of stones in the gallbladder. Bile stasis may appear due to folds and bends in the bladder.
Complete bending and twisting of the bladder can provoke a long-term disorder of blood circulation in the biliary organs. Over time, this process can develop into necrosis (death) of bladder tissue, perforation of its walls and the release of bile secretion directly into the abdominal cavity. As a result, bile peritonitis develops - an inflammatory process of the visceral and parietal peritoneum, which occurs against the background of significant intoxication and pronounced homeostasis disorders, with a disorder of the functions of all organs and systems. If immediate assistance is not provided for peritonitis, the outcome can be fatal.
However, fortunately, the consequences of gallbladder deformation are not always so dramatic. For example, labile gallbladder deformation most often passes without a trace, without requiring any additional treatment. Congenital gallbladder deformation can also disappear on its own: in some cases, the child simply “outgrows” the pathology, and when an ultrasound is performed at an older age, parents are surprised to note the disappearance of the deformation.
Be that as it may, any deformation of the organ requires regular medical supervision. At the slightest suspicion of aggravation of the process, the doctor will be able to take appropriate measures in time and prescribe treatment to avoid further adverse effects and complications.
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Ultrasound deformation of the gallbladder
Ultrasound diagnostics is the most informative and popular method of examining abdominal organs. This method can significantly speed up the detection of the disease and, accordingly, prescribe the necessary treatment faster. The absence of harm when using ultrasound diagnostics allows the method to be used without hindrance in pregnant women and even small children.
Ultrasound technologies are able to determine the deformation of the gallbladder and the thickening of its walls. At the same time, the no less common method of computed tomography does not detect these changes in the vast majority of cases.
Ultrasound deformation of the gallbladder can be examined from different angles. For example, often the bends of the gallbladder are not permanent and can disappear when examining the patient in a standing position or with abdominal tension. Sometimes such manipulations, on the contrary, can lead to the appearance of bends. For these reasons, ultrasound diagnostics is recommended to be performed in different positions and positions.
When planning an ultrasound diagnosis, it should be taken into account that the correct “reading” of the image largely depends on the qualifications and literacy of the specialist, as well as on the quality of the equipment used.
Echo signs of gallbladder deformation
Ultrasound diagnostics of the gallbladder and ducts is considered the most informative method, which is absolutely harmless and allows for the simultaneous examination of several internal organs, for example, the liver and kidney area.
Examination of the biliary organs is carried out if there is a suspicion of an inflammatory process, the formation of stones in the gallbladder, the development of a tumor, as well as if the cause of jaundice is unclear.
When examining the biliary organs, attention is paid to the position of the organ, its shape, size, movements during breathing, external and internal outlines, density and structure of the walls, the presence of auxiliary inclusions, the degree of filling and release of the bladder.
The normal gallbladder is defined as an echo-negative structure located on the dorsal side of the right hepatic lobe. The bottom of the bladder should protrude 10-15 mm from the lower edge of the liver. The size of the gallbladder is normal: length - from 70 to 100 mm, width - from 30 to 40 mm. The shape is oblong pear-shaped, oval or round, with clear and even outlines.
During an inflammatory reaction in the gallbladder, the organ wall thickens and hardens, which is determined by an increase in echostructure. Echo signs of gallbladder deformation are also noticeable: bends, retraction of the walls and a clearly expressed violation of the shape and outlines of the organ are detected.
With the presence of stone formation in the bladder cavity against the background of the echo-negative structure of the bile secretion, an enhanced echo signal is detected, which directly corresponds to the location of the deposit. When changing the position of the body, the stone can change its location inside the bladder.
What do need to examine?
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Treatment of gallbladder deformation
Congenital changes in the shape of the gallbladder, if it does not cause any problems, do not require special treatment.
For patients with acquired deformation accompanied by painful symptoms, treatment is mandatory. Moreover, 3-4 courses of therapy for 10-14 days are often prescribed. The main direction of such treatment is to restore bile excretion, eliminate pain syndrome, and stop the inflammatory reaction. What is the treatment of gallbladder deformation based on:
- bed rest during the acute period;
- drinking enough fluids (mineral water is not recommended);
- following a special diet (more on this below);
- taking antispasmodics and analgesics. In the acute period, intramuscular injection of drotaverine (no-shpa), baralgin, etc. is recommended. In case of cholelithiasis and development of colic, administration of 0.1% atropine sulfate is recommended. In more severe cases, tramadol is used;
- taking broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs (cephalosporin antibiotics, ampicillin, augmentin, etc., simultaneously with antifungal treatment and probiotic drugs);
- if there are signs of intoxication, detoxification treatment is carried out;
- taking choleretic agents - after stopping the acute period and after antibiotic therapy, in the absence of stones in the gallbladder. Choleretic drugs used include hepabene, tsikvalon, flamin, odeston, nicodine, oxyphenamide;
- strengthening the immune system with the help of vitamin preparations: retinol acetate, tocopherol, ascorbic acid, B vitamins;
- physiotherapy (electrophoresis with novocaine and ultrasound), herbal medicine, only during the period of remission;
- Exercise therapy, abdominal massage – facilitates the removal of bile, reduces the risk of stone formation. It is important to avoid excessive physical exertion, carrying heavy objects and sudden physical activity, as this can contribute to twisting of the bladder along the longitudinal axis.
In cases of congenital kinking of the gallbladder in a child, no treatment is often used. If nothing bothers you, the condition of the gallbladder is simply observed. In some cases, the baby "outgrows" the pathology, and the gallbladder acquires an acceptable shape. But often a person can live with the deformation all his life and not even suspect the presence of a defect.
Of course, it is better to foresee the deterioration of the situation with a deformed gallbladder in advance. For this reason, experts recommend that parents of children with deformity adhere to the rule of three "F": this means that the child is not allowed to eat fried foods, fatty foods and egg yolk. If the baby begins to complain of pain in the tummy, a bad taste in the mouth, then such symptoms cannot be ignored, you should definitely consult a doctor.
How to treat gallbladder deformation?
If there are no complications, you can try to treat gallbladder deformation using herbal medicine or folk methods. Mostly, herbal infusions are used, which have choleretic, bile-forming, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Herbal treatment should be long-term and continuous, for two to three months.
The use of the following herbal mixtures is recommended:
- 1 tsp caraway, 3 tsp buckthorn, 3 tsp marshmallow, 3 tsp mint, 3 tsp sage. Brew the mixture with boiling water in a thermos (1 l), drink 200-300 ml in the evening;
- buckthorn 2 tsp, mint 2 tsp, celandine 1.5 tsp, St. John's wort 3 tsp. Brew with boiling water in a thermos (1 l), drink every other day, 200-600 ml per day;
- lemon balm 3 tsp, mint 3 tsp, chamomile 3 tsp. Brew with boiling water in a thermos. Drink 250 ml three times a day.
If there is gallstone disease or digestive disorders against the background of deformation, then you can prepare the following collection: 1 teaspoon of chamomile, 1 teaspoon of buckthorn, 1 teaspoon of fennel, 2 teaspoons of immortelle, 2 teaspoons of mint, 2 teaspoons of yarrow, 2 teaspoons of wormwood. Brew in 1 liter of boiling water, drink 200 ml twice a day half an hour before meals.
In case of exacerbation of cholecystitis, brew tea with the addition of mint, dandelion root, madder root, and buckthorn bark.
Tea made from celandine and mint, as well as a decoction of tansy or St. John's wort, will relieve pain and soothe an irritated gallbladder.
Nutrition for gallbladder deformation
Nutrition for gallbladder deformation can be clearly described in the table:
Allowed |
It is forbidden |
|
Bakery products. |
Bread made from dark flour, preferably baked the day before yesterday or dried out, pasta. |
Freshly baked bread, pastries, puff pastries, fried dough, pancakes, pies, cake. |
First courses. |
Puree soups made from cereals and vegetables, without meat, yolks and green onion shoots, without frying. |
Meat, mushroom and fish broths. |
Snacks. |
Vegetables or fruit salads, vinaigrette, stewed vegetables, dairy diet sausage, low-spicy and low-fat cheeses. |
Pickles, spicy and fatty foods, canned goods, smoked foods, caviar. |
Meat products. |
Low-fat mashed boiled or steamed meat, can be in the form of cabbage rolls or meatballs in a steamer. |
Fatty parts of meat and lard, offal. |
Fish products. |
Low-fat types of fish, boiled and baked. |
Fatty fish dishes, as well as fried, smoked and salted fish. |
Eggs. |
Steamed protein omelette. |
Yolk, scrambled egg. |
Dairy products. |
Fresh milk up to 2.5% fat, yogurt, kefir, low-fat sour cream, low-fat cottage cheese. |
Cream, fatty dairy products. |
Cereals and pasta. |
Any. |
|
Vegetables. |
Almost everything. |
Sorrel, radish, green onions, garlic, marinated vegetables. |
Legumes. |
Green peas in puree form. |
Beans, lentils, peas. |
Fruit and berry dishes. |
Non-acidic, fresh, boiled and baked, as well as dried fruits. |
Sour fruits and berries. |
Desserts. |
Kissel, compote, soufflé, jelly, marmalade, marshmallow, honey, homemade jam. |
Products with chocolate, cream. Ice cream. |
Oils. |
Butter in small quantities, refined vegetable oil. |
Refractory fat, lard. |
Drinks. |
Weak tea and coffee with added milk, compote, freshly squeezed juice. |
Cold drinks, soda, instant coffee, cocoa. |
Spices and sauces. |
Homemade sauce with sour cream, milk, vegetable broth. Fruit syrups. Greens, vanilla, cinnamon. |
Hot spices, industrial mayonnaise, ketchup. |
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Diet for gallbladder deformation
A strict diet for gallbladder deformation applies only to the period of exacerbation. During remission, the menu can be expanded, while listening to your body and its reaction to the use of a particular product. It is important to remember the basic rules of dietary nutrition:
- you need to forget about spicy, fried and sour foods;
- all products should be consumed raw, boiled, steamed or baked;
- It is not recommended to eat cold or too hot food. The optimal food temperature is from +15 to +60 °C;
- you should eat 5-6 times a day in small portions;
- Between meals you should drink enough water – 2-2.5 liters per day.
Egg yolk, offal, meat, fish and mushroom broths, animal fat and sauces impair liver function and overload the gallbladder, so it is better to refrain from consuming them.
Overeating should never be allowed, as it is a very big burden on the entire digestive system, and on the gall bladder in particular. Stop your meal in time: it is better to eat less, but more often.
Gallbladder deformation does not always require treatment, but constant monitoring of the organ's condition is necessary. Diet, controlled physical activity, absence of stress - all these recommendations can protect you from manifestations of deformation for a long time and protect you from possible unpleasant consequences of this defect.
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