The gallbladder is sac-shaped like a pear, and it is located on the underside of the right lobe of the liver. A gallbladder injury may occur because of the gallbladder's location in the abdomen. It may be subjected to blunt and penetrating injuries or damage. The term, injury, is usually applied to damage by an external force, and it may not be visible from the outside.

The gallbladder may be damaged by blunt injuries from automobile accidents, falls from heights, or sporting events; and penetrating injures resulting from stab or gunshot wounds.

Signs and symptoms may vary with the nature, type and extent of injury. Severe pain may or may not be present (e.g., pain may be absent in severe injuries). Manifestations of blunt injury to the abdominal area include severe pain radiating to the abdomen and shoulder; bruises; abrasions, and contusions; nausea and vomiting; pallor; cyanosis; tachycardia; or dyspnea. Indications of penetrating abdominal injures include blood loss; pain and tenderness; and, possibly, pallor; cyanosis; tachycardia; dyspnea; and hypotension.

Diagnostic measures for the condition may include: abdominal x-rays; computed tomography (CT) scan; ultrasonography; and blood tests.

Treatment measures may include repair or removal of the gallbladder. Continuous monitoring of gall bladder function is required.

Residuals may be those associated with removal of the gallbladder (see Diagnostic Code: 7318 Gallbladder, removal of).

• None.

Notes

• Rate as for peritoneal adhesions.

• Ratings under diagnostic codes 7301 to 7329, inclusive, 7331, 7342, and 7345 to 7348 inclusive will not be combined with each other. A single evaluation will be assigned under the diagnostic code which reflects the predominant disability picture, with elevation to the next higher evaluation where the severity of the overall disability warrants such elevation.[38 CR 4.114]

• There are diseases of the digestive system, particularly within the abdomen, which, while differing in the site of pathology, produce a common disability picture characterized in the main by varying degrees of abdominal distress or pain, anemia and disturbances in nutrition. Consequently, certain coexisting diseases in this area, as indicated in the instruction under the title “Diseases of the Digestive System,” do not lend themselves to distinct and separate disability evaluations without violating the fundamental principle relating to pyramiding as outlined in 38 CFR 4.14.  [38 CFR 4.113]