GERD After Cholescystectomy

     I had cholescystectomy in June of this year. Since then, I have been diagnosed with GERD. Symptoms I have include: chest pain, feeling like I need to burp, but can't, acid reflux and food regurgitation, and a feeling that there is a lump in my throat. I was prescribed Prevacid, which I was told may take 6-8 weeks to begin working. One doctor said I was having esophageal spasms and prescribed Valium, which did help. I had an EGD done about 2 weeks ago and the doctor found evidence of gastritis and retained food in the stomach. I tested negative for H. Pylori and a gastric emptying study was ordered. The nuclear medicine study was normal. Is there a chance that having my gallbladder removed has caused this GERD? And is there a chance that the gastric emptying study could overlook a real problem with my stomach? Help! This is getting worrysome. If there is a problem with my stomach motility, does this sort of thing come and go or would it always be present?

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
There is an entity called post-cholecystectomy syndrome.
It refers to  the occurence of abdominal symptoms after cholecystectomy.
One of the causes is GERD.
You may continue taking Prevacid.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.