Distended Gallbladder

[JimK3145]

Hello,
I been experiencing lower right front rib and right upper back pain on and off for6 months. I've had a HIDA scan completed which said my gallbladder was functioning normally (normal biliary to bowel transit time and no evidence for cystic duct obstruction). In addition, I've had a ultrasound of the abdomen which said that the gall bladder was within normal limits with no wall thickening or pericholecystic fluid. I've also had a CT scan done of the abdomen which stated that my gallbladder was physiologically distended. When I my primary care Doc saw the CT results, his opinion was that the gall bladder should come out, while my Gastro doc said it should stay in. Primary care doc says the pain is caused by IBS whereas the Gastro doc doesn't have an explanation. I should mention that I do not experience any sudden discomfort right after eating. The pain comes and goes during the day, while lately, it seems to be all the time. Is my gall bladder problem causing this and should it come out? I've had blood work done (CBC, LFT's, Sed Rate and all results were sat.) Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The CT scan and HIDA scan would give a comprehensive evaluation of the gallbladder.  

If there are no stones and a normal ejection fraction, I agree there is no clear indication for removal.

Further tests can be done with a gastric emptying scan or 24-hr pH study to exclude gastroparesis or GERD respectively.

Another GI opinion could be sought at a major academic medical center.  

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com

[Izitmeulukn4]

Hullo doc i hav had uncontrolled flatulence and chronic tension plus gerd and ibs these have been doctors diagonsis.i have done a barium,aultrasounds and some blood tests,6months ago i had a cholesystectomy but the gases are stil persistent-dahistopathology was a distended bladder wit no stones.help  me wit some advice

[JimK3145]

I should add to my post that I had an endoscopy performed in Sep, '07 and was found to have mild gastritis. I've been on PPI's since then. In Dec '07, I had a barium swallow test performed and was still found to have reflux so that's why the PPI's continue. I should also add that the ultrasound done did not show any gallstones....Thanks!