Gallstones are stones formed in the gallbladder or bile duct and can range in size as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. When a gallstone leaves your gallbladder and blocks the passageway from your gallbladder to your intestine, it causes severe pain in the upper right part of your belly. You may vomit or feel nauseous. The pain starts suddenly and may last for several hours. This is known as a gallbladder attack.
If you have experienced signs and symptoms of a gallbladder attack you understand just how painful that can be. Once you have a gallbladder attack, your chance for having another one is high. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of a future attack.
If your symptoms and gallbladder attacks persist, it may be time to discuss more advanced surgical treatment options. With the minimally invasive, safe surgical treatment options today, there is no need to wait and continue to suffer!
Gallbladder problems left untreated can turn into medical issues including inflammation or infection of the gallbladder, bile duct or pancreas. If the gallstones become lodged and block a duct, you can become jaundice. These complications can possibly lead to a serious medical emergency and may require surgical removal of the gallbladder. Take a proactive approach to your healthcare and identify your surgical treatment options before it becomes an emergency.
Gallbladder surgery can be performed either laparscopically or open. Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is the most common approach to removing the organ. During this procedure, a laparoscope and surgical tools are inserted through small incisions in the belly. This technique is less invasive to the patient and requires a much shorter recovery period. Most patients are able to return to work within a few days. During open gallbladder surgery, a larger incision is made in the belly to allow for removal. Open surgery is used when laparoscopic is not an option or when complications occur during laparoscopic surgery.
Everyday Health suggests that one out of three people with gallstones will only experience one attack in their life. But, if you have one gallbladder attack, you have a 70% chance of having another. If you experience repeated gallstone attacks with severe pain or have complications such as inflammation, your physician may recommend surgery to remove your gallbladder. As with any surgery, there are risks involved but the benefits often outweigh these minimal risks. Gallbladder surgery is a very common procedure to remedy a health issue that can have an extreme negative impact on quality of life with painful and unpredictable symptoms.
For more information on Premier Surgical Associates and our approach to the surgical removal of the gallbladder visit our website.