Hydrops vesicae felleae is a medical term that refers to a condition characterized by a distension or swelling of the gallbladder due to an accumulation of fluid. The term is derived from the Latin words "hydrops," meaning dropsy or swelling, "vesicae," meaning bladder, and "felleae," referring to the gallbladder.
The gallbladder is a small sac-like organ located beneath the liver, which stores and releases bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. In hydrops vesicae felleae, there is an abnormal buildup of fluid within the gallbladder, leading to its distention. This can occur due to various reasons, such as blockage of the bile ducts, inflammation of the gallbladder, or impaired functioning of the gallbladder muscles.
Symptoms of hydrops vesicae felleae may include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes (jaundice) if there is an associated obstruction in the bile ducts. Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).
Treatment options for hydrops vesicae felleae depend on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. Mild cases may resolve with conservative measures such as dietary modifications and medications. However, in more severe cases or those associated with complications, surgical intervention, such as cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder), may be necessary.
Overall, hydrops vesicae felleae is a medical term that describes the abnormal swelling of the gallbladder due to an accumulation of
