Nestled beneath your liver, the gallbladder is a small organ that stores bile, a green-yellow liquid that helps your digestive system. However, when bile ducts become obstructed, often by a gallstone, it can cause intense pain and discomfort.
Gallstones arise from hardening of substances in the bile, such as cholesterol. Gallstones can be unnoticeable or asymptomatic. However, if these stones become stuck in a duct, you may experience what is called a gallbladder attack.
“Someone who is having a gallbladder attack may experience sharp pain in their upper right or center abdomen or [the pain] may travel to their back and turn into a dull pain,” said Nicholas St. Hilaire, DO, general surgeon at McLaren Greater Lansing. “Although causes and symptoms vary, eating fatty foods can often make these symptoms arise.”
Other symptoms of a gallbladder attack include:
- Tenderness in your abdomen when touched
- Abdominal bloating
- Yellow-ish color to your skin or white of your eyes
- Nausea, belching, or vomiting
- Fever or chills
Changing your diet to one that is low in saturated fats, sugar, and carbs and high in fiber and calcium to help reduce bile concentration. Obesity is also a top predictor for gallstones, so maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly can help reduce cholesterol that can lead to the formation of gallstones. If symptoms worsen, surgery may be required for removal of the gallbladder.
“Gallstones don’t always require surgery, but people with persistent symptoms should be aware of complications associated with more serious issues, so it is important to discuss with your primary care physician or surgeon to determine if surgery would be beneficial,” said Dr. St.Hilaire. “Complications such as acute cholecystitis, pancreatitis, or cholangitis (due to inflammation in the gallbladder, pancreas, or liver) are among the risks with symptomatic gallstones.”
Because the gallbladder is not an essential organ, you can typically live a healthy life without it. A minimally invasive procedure, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is a common surgery used for the removal of the gallbladder, and you can usually go home on the day of the procedure.
If you have high cholesterol, have a family history of gallbladder disease, and/or are experiencing symptoms associated with gallstones, talk with your doctor about possible treatment plans.
At McLaren Greater Lansing, our expert general surgeons utilize the latest surgical techniques and minimally invasive procedures to ensure the highest level of care, reduce recovery time, and improve patient outcomes. To learn more about McLaren’s comprehensive general surgery services, click here.
Dr. St.Hilaire performs surgical procedures to repair problems such as gallbladder diseases, hernias, colorectal, and more. Dr. St.Hilaire is hosting a free hernia screening event on Tuesday, June 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. For those who feel they may have a hernia and would like to take part in this free screening, you must register by calling ()517) 975-6600. Space is limited.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. St.Hilaire, click here.
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