Managing gallbladder disease with prostaglandin inhibitors

Abstract

Experimental studies have shown that prostaglandins increase hepatic bile flow and gallbladder mucin production, cause gallbladder dysmotility, and inhibit intraluminal fluid absorption, thus promoting gallstone formation. By virtue of their positive actions on gallbladder fluid secretion, muscle contraction, and inflammatory properties, prostaglandins may also have a role in the pain of acute cholecystitis. Although only a few clinical studies of the role of prostaglandin inhibitors in gallbladder disease have been done, results show that use of drugs such as aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents may prevent gallstone formation and promptly relieve acute pain.