5 Reasons to Treat Your Gallbladder Issues Now
- Category: In The News
- Posted On:
- Written By: Jennifer Owens, MD, FACS
If you’ve ruled out the possibility that your stomach pain is not just your average stomach pain, you could be experiencing gallbladder issues like gallstones, inflammation or polyps. If your symptoms progress from intermittent to on-going and severe, a trip to the emergency room may be in your future. That’s why it is crucial to listen to your body and schedule a visit with our gallbladder experts now.
5 Reasons to Treat Your Gallbladder Issues Now
- After one gallbladder “attack,” there’s a 70% chance of having another.
- Inflammation or infection may occur in your gallbladder, bile duct or pancreas.
- You can become jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin and eyes.
- Your risk for emergency surgery, greater complications and more pain increases if you continue to delay medical care.
Here are the signs to look for that may indicate something is wrong with your gallbladder.
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Bloating and gas
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Fever
- Sharp stomach pain in the center or upper right area of the abdomen
Pain usually occurs 20 minutes after eating meals with high fat content. If this pain happens at least one time per week for one month, you should not delay in seeing a doctor.
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 gallbladder removal may be necessary. There are two ways that your gallbladder can be removed – laparoscopically (most common, minimally invasive) or through open surgery (large incision).
"Our goal is for patients to come in early with mild symptoms before the condition gets worse. Delaying care can increase inflammation and pain," explains North Oaks surgeon, Jennifer Owens, MD, FACS. "We want to avoid emergency surgery that may increase complication risks and longer recovery."
North Oaks Surgical Associates performs minimally invasive gallbladder removal right here in Hammond, and the benefits include:
- Smaller incisions
- Less pain
- Quicker recovery and return to normal activities
- Minimal scarring
Do you think it could be your gallbladder? Listen to Dr.Talebinejad of North Oaks Surgical Associates discuss what to look for and what treatment options are available.
