What does it mean when the gallbladder wall is rough?

Under normal circumstances, a rough gallbladder wall may be caused by aging, changes in bile composition, gallbladder polyps, chronic cholecystitis, or cholelithiasis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Aging

With increasing age, the gallbladder wall may become somewhat thickened and rough, primarily due to the gradual decline in elasticity and firmness of the gallbladder wall over time. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and moderate exercise, is recommended to support good digestive health.

2. Changes in Bile Composition

An imbalance in the proportions of cholesterol, bile salts, and phospholipids in bile may lead to reactive thickening and roughness of the gallbladder wall. It is advisable to adjust dietary habits by reducing intake of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods. Medications such as ursodeoxycholic acid capsules, anethole trithione tablets, or Danshu capsules may also be used under a doctor's guidance.

3. Gallbladder Polyps

Gallbladder polyps typically arise from protrusions of the gallbladder wall into the lumen and may be related to disordered cholesterol metabolism. These polyps grow on the gallbladder wall and can cause localized thickening and roughness. They may also be accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal discomfort or pain. For polyps smaller than 1 cm in diameter and without symptoms, regular ultrasound monitoring is usually recommended.

4. Chronic Cholecystitis

Chronic cholecystitis is commonly caused by long-term irritation of the gallbladder wall due to gallstones or persistent bacterial or viral infections. Inflammatory stimulation promotes fibrous tissue proliferation, which may result in a rough gallbladder wall. Symptoms often include intermittent right upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Patients may take medications such as amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets, cefixime capsules, or Danning tablets as directed by their physician.

5. Cholelithiasis

Cholelithiasis often results from alterations in bile composition and physicochemical properties, bile stasis, and biliary tract infections, leading to deposition and crystallization of components such as cholesterol and bilirubin to form stones. Friction and pressure from stones against the gallbladder wall can trigger local inflammation, resulting in wall roughness. Symptoms may include acute or chronic right upper abdominal pain. It is recommended to undergo cholecystectomy under medical guidance—surgically removing the diseased gallbladder entirely to eliminate the source of gallstones, cholecystitis, and other gallbladder diseases, thereby preventing further progression of the condition.

In daily life, it is important to maintain a light diet, avoid greasy and spicy foods, eat regularly—especially breakfast—and engage in moderate physical activity, all of which help prevent and alleviate symptoms of a rough gallbladder wall.