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If you've had a painful attack of gallbladder symptoms, you're not alone. Gallbladder disease is a very common problem. Most often, the symptoms are caused by stones that form in the gallbladder. To treat the problem, you will likely need to have your gallbladder removed. This eliminates pain and prevents future attacks. Best of all, you'll be able to live a full, healthy life without your gallbladder.
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Symptoms of Gallbladder Problems Gallbladder problems can cause painful attacks, often after a meal. Some people have only one attack. Others have many. Common symptoms of gallbladder attacks include:
How Gallbladder Problems Are Treated The best way to remove stones and prevent new ones from forming is by removing the gallbladder. This is most often done using a type of surgery called laparoscopy. During the procedure, a thin device called a laparoscope lets your doctor see and operate inside the abdomen. Laparoscopy differs from traditional open surgery because only small incisions in the skin are needed.
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Understanding the Gallbladder The Gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ in the abdomen. Its job is to store and release bile, a fluid made by the liver. Bile helps break down fats in the food you eat. Normally, bile moves smoothly through the digestive system. But if stones form in the gallbladder, they can block the release of bile. This can cause pain and lead to serious complications.
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When the Gallbladder is Healthy The gallbladder sits just beneath the liver in the upper right side of the abdomen. When the gallbladder is healthy, it stores and concentrates some of the bile made by the liver. After a meal, the gallbladder squeezes bile into ducts (small tubes). The bile then travels to the intestine where it helps aid digestion.
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How Bile Enters the Digestive System
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When Gallstones Form
Most gallbladder problems are caused by gallstones. These form when substances in the bile crystallize and become solid. In some cases, the stones don't cause any symptoms. In others, they irritate the wall of the gallbladder. Most serious problems occur if the stones move into nearby ducts and cause blockages. This stops the flow of bile and can lead to pain, nausea, and infection. Jaundice ( a buildup of bile chemical in the blood) can also occur. Symptoms include yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, and itching.
Problems in the Common Bile Duct
The common bile duct is formed by the junction of ducts leading from the liver and gallbladder. It's also a common place for problems to occur. This most often happens when a stone moves from the gallbladder and blocks a section of the duct. This can make bile back up into the liver, causing jaundice. If a gallstone blocks the junction with the pancreatic duct, it can inflame the pancreas and cause pancreatitis. This is a serious medical condition that requires immediate treatment.
Pain caused by a blockage is often felt in the upper side of the abdomen. You can also have pain in the shoulder blade, back, or beneath the breastbone
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Your Evaluation Before any treatment is done, you'll have a thorough medical evaluation. Your doctor will ask about your health and symptoms. You'll then have a physical exam. If needed, your doctor may also order other tests. Once the evaluation is complete, your doctor will talk with you about treatment options. |
Medical History and Physical Exam Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms. Be sure to mention the location and frequency of any pain. Also mention any other health problems you have. In addition, you may be asked about your diet and any medications you take. You'll then have a blood test and physical exam. During the exam, your doctor may press on your abdomen to check for pain.
Ultrasound Scan If your doctor suspects you have gallstones, you'll be scheduled for an ultrasound scan. This test uses painless sound waves to check for gallstones.
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Other Tests To learn more about your gallbladder problem, your doctor may order one or more of the tests below.
CT Scan ("CAT scan") A CT scan uses a series of x-rays to produce detailed images of the body. These let your doctor view structures in the abdomen and can help rule out other causes of abdominal pain.
HIDA (Hepatobiliary scan) A HIDA scan uses a radioactive fluid (marker) to check gallbladder function. It can also show whether any bile ducts are blocked. After the test, the fluid safely passes from the body.
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ERCP (Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) This test uses a thin, flexible scope that is guided through the mouth and stomach to the bile duct. The scope helps find and remove stones from the duct. ERCP can also be performed during or after gallbladder surgery.
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Deciding on Treatment After the evaluation, your doctor will talk with you about treatment options. If you've had one or more painful attacks, your doctor will likely advise removing your gallbladder. This prevents more gallstones from forming. It also helps prevent complications. And your liver will still make bile to aid digestion. If you have concerns, be sure to talk with your doctor. Together, you can decide on the treatment that's best for you.
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If You Wait to Have Surgery Gallstones are not always an immediate risk to your health. So you may choose to delay having surgery. Be aware, though, that waiting to have surgery may lead to serious complications. These include:
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If You're Pregnant Gallbladder problems may develop during pregnancy. This is because hormone changes can make bile more likely to form stones. If your gallbladder needs to be removed, your doctor will talk about the timing of surgery. In some cases, it can be delayed until after childbirth. But if your symptoms are severe, your doctor may advise having surgery during your pregnancy. This is done to protect you and your baby's health.
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Your Surgery Your surgery will be done in a hospital or surgery center. Be sure to follow your doctor's advice on how to prepare for the procedure. During surgery, your doctor will use a laparoscope and other instruments to remove the gallbladder. Be aware, though, that there is a chance your doctor may need to switch to open surgery during the procedure.
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Getting Ready for Surgery Your doctor will talk with you about preparing for surgery. Follow all the instructions you're given and be sure to:
The Day of Surgery Arrive at the hospital or surgery center on time. You'll be asked to change into a patient gown. You'll then be given an IV to provide fluids and medication. Shortly before surgery, an anesthesiologist will talk with you. He or she will explain medications used to prevent pain during surgery. Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is done using general anesthesia. This lets you sleep during the procedure.
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Risks and Complications of Surgery Gallbladder surgery is safe. But it does have certain risks. These include:
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During Surgery Your doctor will make a few small incisions (port sites) in your abdomen. The laparoscope is then inserted through one of the incisions. Using video images from the scope, other surgical instruments are carefully guided to the gallbladder. Once the gallbladder is removed, the incisions are close with sutures or strips of surgical tape. In most cases, the entire procedure lasts less than 2 hours.
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Your Recovery you can often leave the hospital the same day as your surgery. At home, help make your surgery a success by taking an active role in your recovery. Start by caring for your incisions and managing pain. Then begin easing back into your routine. For best results, try to move around as much as you can. Follow your doctor's advice about what to eat. And be sure to see your doctor for follow-up care.
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Right After Surgery When the surgery is over you'll be taken to a recovery area to rest. You'll have surgical tape over your incisions. Special boots may be put on your legs or feet to prevent blood clots. You may also have some pain in your shoulder for a few hours. This is caused by the gas used during surgery. To help relieve discomfort, you may be given pain medications. You can go home once you're feeling better, often within a few hours.
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Getting Back to Normal You can start getting back your normal routine as soon as you feel able. just take it easy at first and follow your doctor's advice. For best results:
Eating Healthy Meals Even though your gallbladder has been removed, you don't need to be on a special diet. It often takes a few weeks, though, for your digestion to fully adjust. You may have some indigestion, loose stools, or diarrhea. This is normal and should go away in time. To aid digestion, eat a balanced diet that is high in fiber. And if diarrhea or other problems don't go away, be sure to tell your doctor.
Keeping Active To help speed recovery, be as active as you can. Regular exercise improves blood circulation. It's also good for your whole body. If you weren't active before surgery, ask your doctor about starting an exercise program. even gentle exercise such as walking or bicycling can make a big difference in how you look and feel.
Having Follow-up Care Be sure to keep follow-up appointments during your recovery. These allow your doctor to check your progress and make sure you're healing well. During office visit, tell your doctor if you have any new or unusual symptoms. Your doctor can also help answer any questions you may have. |
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Feeling Good Again Don't let gallbladder problems put limits on your life. By having surgery to remove your gallbladder, you can prevent painful attacks. you can also avoid future problems. And you'll still be able to enjoy all your favorite foods and activities. So see your doctor for treatment. You can feel good again.
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