A blockage of bile flow can cause bacterial infection and inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) or the ducts (cholangitis). The bile ducts carry bile from the liver to the gall bladder and then to the small intestine. The most common cause of bile blockage is gallstones. Another cause of cholecystitis is a non-functioning gallbladder. Cholecystitis from a non-functioning gallbladder is called acalculous cholecystitis. This disease can be very serious and lead to death if left untreated.