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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Gallstones without Pain?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/ Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Gallstones without Pain?
by zorrogirl, Apr 26, 2003 12:00AM
For the last several months, I have been vomiting after eating. It has become more and more common to the point that it is almost daily now. But, it does NOT depend on what I eat. Bland food some times causes problems when spicy food does not. The vomited is 'projectile' in nature, very forceful. I have run no fever and have no abdominal pain. I had an abdominal sonogram last week which showed gallstones and now I have been referred to a surgeon. My question is: would gallstones be causing the vomiting yet no pain? Last year I was diagnosed with GERD, but had no heartburn, etc., just throat tightness and hoarseness. I don't want my gallbladder removed automatically if this could be something else. My only other symptom really is occasional diarrea, but followed by episodes of extreme bloating and gas. I am taking hormone replacement therapy drugs, Paxil and Liquibid-D for allergy problems. I have taken this for some time. Any ideas? Thanks!!
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Apr 30, 2003 12:00AM
, Apr 30, 2003 12:00AM
Hello - thanks for asking your question.
You note vomiting after eating and is "projectile" in nature. Ultrasound showed gallstones. You have been diagnosed wtih GERD.
It is certainly possible that the gallstones may be causing vomiting alone. However, you may want to consider other causes first. Projectile vomiting may be caused by anatomical abnormalities, or what is known as pyloric stenosis (when the connection between the stomach and small intestine becomes too narrow). Other causes include inflammation of the stomach or esophagus, as well as ulcers or masses.
You may want to consider evaluation with an upper endoscopy first to make sure that it is not an anatomical abnormality and to evaluate for ulcers or inflammation.
If every subsequent test is negative, your symptoms can possibly be caused by gallstones.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
You note vomiting after eating and is "projectile" in nature. Ultrasound showed gallstones. You have been diagnosed wtih GERD.
It is certainly possible that the gallstones may be causing vomiting alone. However, you may want to consider other causes first. Projectile vomiting may be caused by anatomical abnormalities, or what is known as pyloric stenosis (when the connection between the stomach and small intestine becomes too narrow). Other causes include inflammation of the stomach or esophagus, as well as ulcers or masses.
You may want to consider evaluation with an upper endoscopy first to make sure that it is not an anatomical abnormality and to evaluate for ulcers or inflammation.
If every subsequent test is negative, your symptoms can possibly be caused by gallstones.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
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Gallstones classically cause severe pain along with the nausea, etc. But in humans, things aren't always classsical. Vomitting after eating, without pain, could be due to stones. So could diarrhea. However, unless all other possibilities are ruled out (and even when they are) when symptoms are not typical, it may come down to deciding to have the surgery knowing the outcome is not 100% predictable. The good news is most people don't have side effects from losing the gallbladder. But if you haven't yet seen a gastroenterologist, and considered or had upper endoscopy (looking into your stomach with a scope) you should request doing so before committing to surgery.