Yasmin and gallbladder disease problems are caused by bile that has become trapped within the gall bladder. This can happen when gallstones form and cause an obstruction. It can also occur if the organ fails to contract, thereby losing its ability to push bile into the common bile duct. Trapped inside the gallbladder, the bile causes inflammation and creates pressure.

When gallstones become symptomatic, or inflammation within the organ causes abdominal pain, the gallbladder is often surgically removed. Prior to its removal, Yasmin gallbladder problems can trigger a number of complications; many of them are serious. Below, we’ll explore the dangers of infection, perforation, and related problems.

Gallbladder Infection

Infection occurs in one out of five cases. Even if it remains mild, it can preclude removal of the gallbladder through a minimally invasive procedure called laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Moreover, if infection is left untreated, it can become life-threatening.

Severe infection can destroy your gallbladder’s tissue, a condition known as necrosis. If this occurs, gangrene can form. Abscesses can also develop, which can potentially allow infection to reach other areas of your body. This is known as septicemia.

Perforation

If you develop gallbladder problems after taking Yasmin birth control, and fail to have them treated, the organ may become perforated. This often occurs when a patient neglects to seek medical attention. Perforation is usually followed by a marked decrease in pain, which often misleads the patient, convincing her that the problem is resolving itself. Unfortunately, once your gallbladder becomes perforated, the abdominal cavity becomes vulnerable to widespread infection.

Common Bile Duct Infection

If gallstones form an obstruction in the common bile duct (a condition known as choledocholithiasis), the bile can become trapped within the duct and cause infection. If the infection is identified quickly, antibiotics are usually effective in eliminating it. A procedure called endoscopic sphincterotomy can then be performed to drain the common bile duct.

Pancreatitis

Besides infection, gallstones within the common bile duct can also cause your pancreas to become inflamed. This is known as pancreatitis.

Your pancreas has its own duct system that converges with the common bile duct before both empty into the duodenum. If gallstones travel far enough through the common bile duct, they can form an obstruction that blocks the pancreatic duct. Inflammation results.

Empyema

Empyema is a condition in which pus forms within your gallbladder. If this happens, you will experience severe pain in your abdomen. The pain can last more than a week. Fortunately, the condition rarely occurs; it is estimated that two out of every hundred cases exhibit signs of empyema.

Fistulas

In rare cases of Yasmin gall bladder disease, the inflamed organ can “stick to” the small intestine. If the gall bladder perforates the small intestine, a tunnel can open between them. This tunnel is called a fistula. It can allow gallstones to travel directly into the small intestine, a dangerous condition that requires surgery to resolve.

Women, after using Yasmin oral contraceptives, have developed problems with their gallbladders. Sometimes, gallstones present. Other times, inflammation occurs. Both cases can lead to serious complications that may become life-threatening. If you or someone you know has taken Yasmin birth control pills and suffered gallbladder problems, you may be able to file a claim against the manufacturer. Contact a Yasmin gallbladder attorney to discuss your case.