Yaz And Gallstones: What Is Chronic Cholecystitis?

Yaz and Yasmin gallbladder disease has caused otherwise healthy women to undergo surgery to have their gallbladders removed. The oral contraceptive is thought to contribute to the formation of stones in two ways. First, it elevates the level of cholesterol within your body. Second, it reduces the contraction activity of your gallbladder. Both circumstances contribute to stones.

When gallstones form within your gallbladder, they can prevent bile from exiting into the cystic duct. If bile is trapped within, it can cause inflammation. This is a condition known as acute cholecystitis, one of the side effects of Yaz gallbladder disease. It is typically accompanied by severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Over time, if the condition is not treated, it will turn into chronic cholecystitis.

Chronic Cholecystitis Explained

Chronic cholecystitis is defined as a persistent, lasting inflammation of your gallbladder. It is nearly always caused by stones. If you are using Yaz birth control and gallstones form, it is important to seek treatment if the stones become symptomatic. You might experience mild attacks that subside after a few hours, but the underlying condition (i.e. gallstones that block the passage of bile) still exists.

Repeated gallbladder attacks can eventually cause the wall of the organ to thicken. Chronic episodes can also cause your gallbladder to shrink. When this occurs, the organ will become less capable of concentrating bile and propelling it into the cystic duct. Your gall bladder will eventually suffer calcification.

Symptoms And Side Effects

The symptoms that accompany chronic Yaz gallbladder disease are similar to those that manifest during intermittent attacks. However, they will likely recur more frequently as your gall bladder loses the ability to contract and release bile.

When the walls of your gallbladder become calcified after repeated attacks, the organ can begin to appear like porcelain on X-rays. Doctors refer to this as “porcelain gallbladder.” Years ago, the condition was thought to be associated with gall bladder cancer. Today, that connection remains in doubt.

Treating Persistent Yaz Gallstones

Chronic gallbladder inflammation requires hospitalization. Fluids, electrolytes, and antibiotics are administered through an IV while your doctor determines the risks involved with performing surgery. If there are signs that your intestine is failing to contract properly, a tube may be passed through your nose into your stomach. Any contents within your stomach are suctioned out.

If the risk of surgery is manageable, a doctor will perform an operation called cholecystectomy. This is a procedure during which your gallbladder is removed. Normally, it is done laparoscopically by making a few abdominal incisions and inserting surgical instruments through them. However, if infection is present or there is scarring from past surgical procedures, the surgeon will need to convert to open cholecystectomy. There is more postoperative pain, risk of complications, and a longer recovery period.

In some cases, a doctor may decide that surgery poses too great a risk due to other medical conditions, such as a heart problem. However, if chronic cholecystitis is accompanied by other serious Yaz gallbladder problems (i.e. abscesses, perforation, or fistulas), immediate surgery is necessary.

Women who have never shown signs of gallbladder disease or gallstones have experienced these side effects after taking Yaz birth control. If inflammation is allowed to persist, it can lead to chronic cholecystitis. Your gall bladder can suffer damage and need to be removed. If you have suffered gallbladder problems after using this oral contraceptive, contact a Yaz gallbladder lawsuit attorney to explore your options. You may be able to file a claim seeking compensation for your injuries.