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Gastroenterology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
Pain, bloating, § gas after gall bladder removal
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.

Pain, bloating, § gas after gall bladder removal

by Memelyc, Mar 31, 2003 12:00AM
Due to stones and infection, my gall bladder was removed by laparoscope in July 03.  I am experiencing bloating, gas, and pain after some meals.  It seems to be happening more often now.  I haven’t noticed that any particular food causes these symptoms.  I also have pain and tenderness under my right breast in the same place that was so painful before the surgery.  Occasionally I have bowel urgency following a meal.  Sometimes I wonder if they really removed my gall bladder.  What do I do now?

by Kevin Pho, MD, Mar 31, 2003 12:00AM
Hello - thanks for asking your question.

Here are some causes to consider and discuss with your physician.

Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) may manifest after cholecystectomy.  It typically causes biliary pain, nausea and vomiting. One hypothesis suggests that unmasking of preexisting SOD is due to removal of the gallbladder, which may have served as a reservoir to accommodate increased pressure in the biliary system occurring during sphincter spasm. You may want to discuss the option of an ERCP to evaluate for this.

Delayed gastric emptying can also be present after cholecystectomy.  A gastric emptying scan can evaluate this.  

Dyspepsia (gastritis or peptic ulcer disease) can also cause right upper quadrant pain.  Tests including an endoscopy and H Pylori testing can further evaluate these diseases.

If you are having bowel urgency (known as tenesmus), causes can include inflammatory bowel disease, a mass, infectious colitis or irritable bowel syndrome.  Endoscopy (either flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy) can further evaluate the cause.

Discuss these dianostic options with your 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.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Member Comments

by janet6456, Nov 15, 2008 09:24PM
A related discussion, Gut pain was started.

by bclog1982, Dec 06, 2008 02:43PM
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