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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Enlarged Liver and Spleen with RUQ pain
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
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.
Enlarged Liver and Spleen with RUQ pain
by CSinatra, Jun 16, 2007 12:00AM
39 Year Old Male 6'2" 220 lbs very active moderate drinker.
Mild but consistent pain in RUQ for about 3 months slight increase in pain after meals, otherwise healthy.
Ultrasound last month showed enlarged liver (21.3cm in length) and spleen (12.5 cm in length). Liver is diffusely hyperechoic, consistent with fatty liver infiltration. Also showed thickening of the gallbladder wall.
Dr. recommended HIDA Scan which showed an ejection fraction of 20% and mildly irregular gallbladder filling pattern.
GI Doc recommends removal of the gallbladder.
(also had a colonoscopy which showed no abnormalities)
Here are my questions:
1. Is the enlargement of the liver and spleen related to the gallbladder and could be the cause of the pain?
2. Would there be any benefit to removing the gallbladder?
Please let me know.
Thanks
Mild but consistent pain in RUQ for about 3 months slight increase in pain after meals, otherwise healthy.
Ultrasound last month showed enlarged liver (21.3cm in length) and spleen (12.5 cm in length). Liver is diffusely hyperechoic, consistent with fatty liver infiltration. Also showed thickening of the gallbladder wall.
Dr. recommended HIDA Scan which showed an ejection fraction of 20% and mildly irregular gallbladder filling pattern.
GI Doc recommends removal of the gallbladder.
(also had a colonoscopy which showed no abnormalities)
Here are my questions:
1. Is the enlargement of the liver and spleen related to the gallbladder and could be the cause of the pain?
2. Would there be any benefit to removing the gallbladder?
Please let me know.
Thanks
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jun 18, 2007 12:00AM
, Jun 18, 2007 12:00AM
To answer your questions:
1) It is possible that the enlargement in the GI organs can cause or worsen abdominal pain.
2) With a low gallbladder ejection fraction, small studies suggest possible benefit after removing the gallbladder. However, this is not a guaranteed result, as there are people who continue to have pain after surgery.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
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.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
1) It is possible that the enlargement in the GI organs can cause or worsen abdominal pain.
2) With a low gallbladder ejection fraction, small studies suggest possible benefit after removing the gallbladder. However, this is not a guaranteed result, as there are people who continue to have pain after surgery.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
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.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
