What Is a Collapsed Gallbladder?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 25, 2020

A collapsed gallbladder refers to an instance when the gallbladder spasms and remains in a prolonged deflated state. This is commonly caused by the presence of gallstones or as a result of cholecystitis. On rare occasions, it is due to a ruptured gallbladder, a life-threatening condition.

Under normal circumstances, the gallbladder expands as it fills with bile from the liver. When bile is needed for digestion, the gallbladder contracts, squeezing the bile into the small intestine. At this stage, it appears deflated. If the gallbladder is unable to expand to receive fresh bile, it is then said to be collapsed. Symptoms can include pain in the upper-right quadrant of the abdomen, fever and diarrhea.