Yaz Gallbladder Disease: Complications Of Gallbladder Inflammation

Yaz gallbladder disease occurs when your gall bladder becomes inflamed (a condition known as cholecystitis). The inflammation is usually caused by gallstones that reside in the cystic duct or within the organ itself. In both cases, the stones create an obstruction that prevents bile fluid from escaping your gall bladder. Bile is forced to remain within the organ and can eventually cause infection and sharp pain.

While Yaz gallstones are rarely symptomatic, they require treatment when symptoms present. If left untreated, infection can spread and cause several dangerous complications. Some are potentially life-threatening. Below, you’ll learn how perforation, fistulas, bile duct infection, and pancreatitis can develop. If you or a family member has suffered side effects please contact us for a free no-obligation consultation on your legal options including being part of a Yaz gallbladder disease lawsuit.

Perforated Gall Bladder

Perforation of your gallbladder can result if inflammation is left untreated for a long period. When perforation occurs, it is usually due to a persistent gallstone within your gall bladder that causes erosion of the organ’s wall. This is extremely dangerous. If your gallbladder becomes perforated, the bile fluid and other contents held within can spill out into your abdominal cavity. This leads to abdominal infection (known as peritonitis).

Fistulas With Neighboring Organs

A fistula is an abnormal tunnel that is shared between two organs. With Yaz gall bladder disease, the inflamed organ can develop a perforation and adhere to a nearby structure (for example, the top portion of your small intestine). When this happens, a channel can develop between the two structures through which gallstones can pass.

If large stones pass from your gallbladder into your small intestine, they can cause a condition known as gallstone ileus. This is a blockage within your intestinal tract. More commonly, a fistula shared between your gallbladder and small intestine can allow the passage of concentrated bile fluid. This can lead to diarrhea.

Infection Within The Bile Duct

Infection can present in your common bile duct if stones are preventing bile from flowing out of the duct into your duodenum. The condition is known as cholangitis. If the infection is discovered early enough, your doctor may be able to control its spread by administering antibiotics. However, antibiotics are unsuccessful in nearly a quarter of such cases.

If infection spreads, it can eventually trigger dangerous secondary complications. For example, you might develop abscesses within your liver. Or, if bacteria reaches your bloodstream, you can also suffer sepsis as infection spreads quickly throughout your body. This, in turn, can lead to septic shock and even death.

Blockage Of The Pancreatic Duct

Gallstones that migrate downward through your common bile duct can block your pancreatic duct as it approaches the Sphincter of Oddi (near the outlet to the duodenum). Your pancreas produces enzymes that help digest food within your small intestine. They travel through the pancreatic duct and empty into your duodenum. A blockage prevents the enzymes from passing from your pancreas. When this occurs, your pancreas will suffer inflammation, a condition known as pancreatitis. While it is often mild, it can be life-threatening.

Gall bladder Yaz problems are usually addressed by surgically removing the organ. A procedure called cholecystectomy is performed during which your gall bladder’s connections to its surrounding structure are severed before the organ is removed. The operation is normally done laparoscopically; it is minimally invasive and poses less risk than open surgery. However, the complications described above may force the surgeon to convert to open surgery in order to remove your gallbladder.

Gallbladder disease is one of the serious side effects of Yaz oral contraceptives. If you have suffered gallbladder problems after using this birth control pill, you may be due compensation for your injuries. Contact a Yaz gallbladder lawsuit lawyer to discuss your case.