When is Gallbladder Surgery needed?- is one of the questions you might be thinking. Gallbladder surgery is needed when gallstones block the bile duct or when the gallbladder is infected or inflamed.
If you have any of the following problems, you may need gallbladder surgery: intense pain in your upper right abdomen, pain in your right shoulder, pain between your shoulder blades, jaundice, or fever.
A gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located under your liver in the upper right of the abdomen. In our body, the function of the gallbladder is to store bile, a mix of fluids, cholesterol, and fat. Bile in the gallbladder is released in the small intestine and helps break down the fat from food.
Through this method, the body can absorb fat-solvent vitamins and nutrients. Let’s explore more about- When is gallbladder surgery needed?
What are the symptoms of the gallbladder problem?
The following are the symptoms of gallbladder problems:
- Pain: It generally happens in the upper right section of the abdomen and can be mild and intermittent, or it can be severe and frequent. In a few cases, it can start to emanate from different body parts, such as the chest and back.
- Nausea or vomiting: These are the most common symptoms in patients. Chronic gallbladder problems might lead to digestive problems, for example, excessive gas and acid reflux.
- Unusual stools or urine: Stools that are lighter in color and dark urine are common signs of blockage in the bile duct.
- Chronic diarrhea
- Fever or chills
- Jaundice
What are the potential gallbladder problems?
Any disease that influences the gallbladder is termed gallbladder disease. Let’s understand more about the types of gallbladder disease.
Inflammation of the gallbladder or (cholecystitis)
Cholecystitis is another name for inflammation of the gallbladder. There are two subsets here: acute and chronic. Chronic gallbladder inflammation occurs when a patient has many acute cholecystitis attacks.
Gallstones
Gallstones are hardened digestive fluid deposits in the gallbladder, which can range in size from a sand grain to a golf ball. Many individuals have gallstones and they are concerned about them, as gallstones can form and go undetected for quite a long time. Gallstones create problems such as inflammation, pain, and infection. Generally, gallstones create acute cholecystitis.
Common bile duct stones or Choledocholithiasis
Gallstones that develop in the common bile duct are called Choledocholithiasis. Bile flow from the gallbladder passes through the small pipes, gathers in the common bile duct, and then enters the small intestine.
Common bile duct stones, also known as secondary stones, are those that form in the gallbladder and migrate into the bile duct. Alternatively, gallstones are regarded as secondary stones, while stones that form in the common bile duct are referred to as primary stones. This type of stone is much more likely to lead to infection than secondary stones because of how rarely they occur.
Acalculous Gallbladder Disease
Gallstones don’t create all sorts of gallbladder problems. Without the existence of a stone in the gallbladder, one can also develop gallbladder disease, which is also known as acalculous gallbladder disease.
Infection in Common bile duct
Infection in the common bile duct can happen due to blockage. Treatment for this condition is effective if the infection is identified early. Otherwise, this infection may spread and become lethal.
Abscess of the gallbladder
Some people who have gallstones also develop empyema or pus, in the gallbladder. An abscess is another name for pus production, and it can be the source of excruciating abdominal agony. There is a risk of a life-threatening infection spreading from one part of the body to another if this illness is not caught and treated in time.
Gallstone ileus
When a gallstone moves into the intestine, it can cause a blockage known as gallstone ileus. It is a rare condition and common in people who are older than 65 years.
Perforated gallbladder
If an individual delays seeking treatment, a gallstone problem can prompt a perforated gallbladder condition. If the tear isn’t located, it can lead to a serious spread of abdominal infection.
Gallbladder polyps
Polyps are unusual tissue development. Gallbladder polyps are injuries or tissue developments that happen inside the gallbladder. They don’t cause any problems with your gallbladder. However, large polyps require surgery to remove before they form cancer or cause any other health issues.
Porcelain gallbladder
A solid gallbladder has extremely strong walls. As time passes, calcium deposits can harden the gallbladder walls, making them rigid. This condition is known as a porcelain gallbladder. This condition can create a high risk for gallbladder cancer.
Gallbladder cancer
Gallbladder cancer is usually a rare disease. It can spread to other parts of the body if not caught and treated early.
What is the treatment for a gallbladder problem?
Gallbladder treatment mainly depends on your particular gallbladder problem. That may include:
- pain medicines prescribed by doctors, like morphine and hydrocodone.
- An individual taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines like ibuprofen
- lithotripsy, a treatment that uses shock waves to break gallstones into pieces and different masses.
- gallstone removal surgery
- Gallbladder removal surgery: it can be laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery or open surgery.
Diet for Gallbladder Problem
If an individual is experiencing gallbladder problems, it is always beneficial to change the eating regimen. Foods that may irritate gallbladder problems include:
- Refined carbohydrate content like sugar and white bread
- Foods high in trans fats, greasy foods, processed foods, and fast food
Foods you should add to your diet:
- High-fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables
- Healthy-fat foods like nuts and fish
- Meals rich in vitamin C, like fresh fruits and vegetables
- Meals rich in calcium, like dark leafy vegetable greens and low-fat dairy products
- Proteins such as beans, lentils, and tofu
- Add coffee, which helps reduce the risk of gallstones and other gallbladder problems.
When to Consult a doctor
If gallbladder disorders are identified and treated before they worsen, the patient will avoid more serious complications. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately.
- pale stools
- jaundice
- continuous abdominal pain for at least 5 hours
- sweats and chills with a mild fever if accompanied by the aforementioned symptoms.
Appointment
For more information on gallbladder problems, diagnosis of gallbladder disease, treatment of gallstones, gallbladder surgery, gallbladder surgery cost, or consultation. For a quick appointment, please contact our healthcare expert today at +1 (817) 748-0200.