What Causes Sludge in the Gallbladder?

The mucus-like sediment that lies in the gallbladders of some patients is known as "sludge." Its presence can be unknown and uneventful, or it can create nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and severe pain in the upper abdominal quadrant.

What Is Sludge?

• Gallbladder sludge is composed of bile, with the denser variety of bile resting at the bottom. This more-densely composed bile contains cholesterol within the mucus.

Sludge Into Gallstones?

• Sludge either remains, disappears, or dissipates and returns. Sludge that remains may help form gallstones.

Potential Problems

• Sludge may lie in the gallbladder and never pose a problem, or it can sometimes take the blame for diseases like cholecystitis, pancreatitis and biliary colic. These complications can also be the cause of small gallstones.

Diagnostic Testing

• Transabdominal ultrasonography is one method of diagnosing sludge and other gallbladder problems. This painless, non-invasive exam helps identify sludge, gallstones, cholecystitis, obstructions, inflammation and pancreatitis.

Cholesterol and Phospholipids

• The sludge in the gallbladder may form from too much cholesterol being present in the bile or a low level of phospholipids. Sodium and calcium particles may also be present within the biliary sludge.