Gallbladder
Are you experiencing recurring stomach pain and issues? It could be your gallbladder.
Your gallbladder is located in the upper right area of your abdomen, just under your ribs. It’s a storage unit for bile, which sometimes turns into hardened deposits of digestive fluid known as gallstones.
Gallbladder issues are very common, but often, people ignore their symptoms and don’t seek medical treatment until their pain is emergent. That’s why it is crucial to listen to your body, be aware of your symptoms and know your risk for gallbladder issues like gallstones, inflammation or polyps.
Take care of yourself by letting us take care of you.
Call (985) 202-6113 to schedule a consultation with
North Oaks Surgical Associates in Hammond.
Gallbladder Symptoms to Watch For:
- Sudden/rapid/intense pain
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Jaundice
- Changes in urine or bowel movements
- Stomach pain in the center or upper right area of your belly, between your shoulder blades or your right shoulder
- Pain after eating at least one time a week for a month (worsens after eating fatty or greasy foods); pain occurs about 20 minutes after eating meals with high fat content
Risk Factors for Gallbladder Disease
- Age 40 or older
- Reproductive aged women
- Pregnant
- Obese
- Diabetes
- Hemolytic anemia
- Eating a high-fat diet
- Eating a low-fiber diet
- Family history
- Rapid weight loss
- Taking oral contraceptives that contain estrogen
- Bariatric weight loss surgery
Treatment Options
If your provider suspects your gallbladder is the culprit, he or she will order tests like an ultrasound or CT scan to discover the cause of your issues and determine if you need to have your gallbladder removed. You don't need your gallbladder to live a healthy life.
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Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most common, minimally invasive procedure, where the surgeon makes 3-4 tiny incisions in your abdomen, inserts a tiny camera in 1 to see inside, and removes the gallbladder through the other incisions using small tools. You are usually able to go home the same day but could be required to stay the night for observation, and recovery takes about a week. Benefits of laparoscopic cholecystectomy include: smaller incisions, less pain, minimal scarring, quicker recovery and return to normal activities.
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Open surgery requires the surgeon to make one large incision to remove the gallbladder. You can expect to spend a few days in the hospital and it may take 4-6 weeks to fully recover.
Act Now.
If you are experiencing symptoms and identify with the risk factors, schedule a visit before your condition worsens. Delaying care can increase pain and lead to emergency surgery with a longer recovery or complications.
Call (985) 202-6113 to schedule a consultation with North Oaks Surgical Associates in Hammond.
No referral necessary.
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