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Cholesterolosis Of Gallbladder

Cholesterolosis of the gallbladder, also known as strawberry gallbladder, develops when cholesterol accumulates in its lining. Often symptomless, it can cause discomfort, bloating and indigestion. Board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Rishi Chadha in Houston provides expert imaging, personalized care and advanced treatments.

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Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
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American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
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Houston Methodist leading Medicine
HCA Houston Healthcare
Rishi Chadha

About the Expert

Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.

What Is Cholesterolosis Of The Gallbladder?

Cholesterolosis of the gallbladder occurs when excess cholesterol deposits accumulate in the lining of the gallbladder, creating yellowish strawberry-like spots visible on imaging. It is often discovered incidentally on ultrasound and may be asymptomatic.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • High blood cholesterol levels
  • Obesity or rapid weight gain
  • Female gender (more prevalent in women)
  • Age between 40 and 60 years
  • Family history of gallbladder disease

Signs and Symptoms

  • Often none-many patients are asymptomatic
  • Upper right abdominal discomfort or fullness
  • Bloating after meals
  • Mild nausea or indigestion
  • Occasional shoulder or back pain

How Dr. Rishi Chadha Diagnoses This Condition

Dr. Chadha uses abdominal ultrasound to look for tiny bright spots on the gallbladder wall. He checks your health history and may order liver tests. If he suspects other problems like stones or polyps, he may use endoscopic ultrasound for a better view.

(ICD-10 Code: K82.1)


Treatment Options at GastroDoxs

1. Diet and Lifestyle Tips

  • Eat low-fat meals with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Stay active and keep a healthy weight
  • Avoid crash diets or losing weight too fast

2. Medications

  • Ursodeoxycholic acid can help dissolve small cholesterol spots
  • Statins may reduce cholesterol in your body and gallbladder

3. Procedures and Surgery

  • Laparoscopic cholecystectomy to remove the gallbladder if symptoms persist
  • Endoscopic ultrasound or ERCP if stones block your bile duct
Rishi Chadha
Treatment

Our Houston team offers a full range of care for cholesterolosis of the gallbladder.

1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications

  • Adopt a low-fat, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains
  • Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise
  • Avoid rapid weight loss or crash diets that raise gallbladder stress

2. Medications

  • Ursodeoxycholic acid to help dissolve small cholesterol deposits
  • Statins to lower overall cholesterol and reduce gallbladder buildup

3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures

  • Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for persistent pain or large deposits
  • Endoscopic ultrasound or ERCP for complications like stones in the bile duct
Rishi Chadha

About the Author

Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cholesterolosis of the gallbladder?

It's cholesterol buildup in the gallbladder lining, often without symptoms.

What are cholesterolosis of gallbladder symptoms?

Common signs include bloating, mild upper-right pain and occasional nausea.

How is cholesterolosis diagnosed?

An ultrasound shows tiny cholesterol deposits in the gallbladder wall.

Is cholesterolosis serious?

Most cases are harmless, but some need treatment if they cause discomfort.

Can cholesterolosis resolve on its own?

Mild cases may improve with diet and medication over time.

What is the cholesterolosis of gallbladder ICD 10 code?

The ICD-10 code for cholesterolosis of the gallbladder is K82.1.

What cholesterolosis of gallbladder treatment options exist?

Options include diet changes, medications like ursodeoxycholic acid, or gallbladder removal.

Is surgery necessary for cholesterolosis?

Only if you have persistent pain, large deposits or other complications.

How can I lower my risk in Houston?

Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and avoid rapid weight changes.

When should I see Dr. Chadha?

If you have unexplained upper-right pain, nausea after meals or an abnormal ultrasound.

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